Hi All,

Trying to help my mom who is newly diagnosed. Any insight into the difference between PD and parkinsonisms? The doctor wasn't very clear on the explanation.

Also my mom is having a lot of trouble with muscle spasms and rigidity especially in her feet. Any suggestions to help with that?

Thanks for any help.
Shelley

Hi Shelley

My understanding is that Parkinsonism refers to a symptom complex with many possible causes - it is usually not progressive. The contrast is with PD, which is often progressive.

You might find the information in these links (and links therein) helpful in explaining things to your mother - that could also help her to ask her doctor good questions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinsonism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_disease

Hey, Shelley... nice to see you again. Sorry it is about your Mother's woes, though.

Two things come to mind for me:

1) If she is taking SSRI antidepressants, some people develop Parkinsonian side effects. This has to do with decreased dopamine that occurs with the long term use of serotonin enhancing drugs. Most of the time it is confined to the head, tongue and neck areas but we have had some people on PN who developed leg problems with these drugs.
more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrapyramidal_symptoms

2) a simple intervention that might work for your mother is to try Morton epsom lotion rubbed into her shin area and tops of the feet. Use only a little bit... like a nickel's diameter worth on each leg once a day. This is inexpensive and very wonderful for all sorts of cramping, pain, or poor circulation issues.
Not all stores have it yet though. WalMarts, some Walgreen's and online at Amazon are carrying it now:

http://www.amazon.com/Morton-Epsom-L...n+epsom+lotion

Once the magnesium is restored to the feet, you might not need it every day.

Hi Shelley, Along with MrsD's suggestion, a form of magnesium we use is Magnesium Oil. We apply a small amount onto the area involved and then wrap heating pads around the area, secure the pads contact by wrapping Ace bandages around the pads. Make certain the temperature is not too high on heating pad; never use above medium setting. The oil is not inexpensive, though a small amount goes a long way. Best to your mom and you.

Shelley,
It is dystonia.
The muscle spasms and cramping in her feet.
That together with the rigidity are classic P.D. symptoms.
Is she taking levodopa?
If not it might be wise to return to Neurologist for some of this med (there are many different brand names)
If she's already taking it the dosage may need increasing.

Thank you all for your help and responses.

Yes my Mom is taking levodopa. She was just diagnosed and the doc almost has her up to the max level. My mom feels the symptoms are progressing rapidly which seems unusual based on what I am reading.

She is also a diabetic and I see some threads possibly noting a connection or parallels with PD and Diabetes.

Going to order some Magnesium lotion/oil and a heating pad for her and see if it helps.

I just signed her up for Neurotalk so hoping she can come on and join the PD forum and make some friends and learn from all of you amazing folks on here.

Thanks again for your help.
Shelley

Dad really was weak and almost non mobile after a med change, so dr added back just a very small dose of Mirapex, and it has him back on a fairly even keel .. he still has some brief times of fatigue , but no hallucinations.. so that is good.

There are meds they can add to complement/boost the levodopa..
Finding the best combo is really worth it.

But it may take a few misses to get it right, but communication with the dr is key , and of course a doc that listens.. one that doesn't have a set plan for everyone w/PD..it is as individual as we all are so treatment/meds need to be fit to the individual too.