Ever notice a subtle shaking of a hand or limb that you have no control over? Don’t let it upset you. This is what is known as a tremor, and it’s often a perfectly normal part of life. However, you should bear in mind that there may be an underlying risk resulting from them, which is why it’s important to get frequent medical checkups throughout your lifetime. Today, let’s explore what causes tremors, what disorders they may potentially indicate, and more.

The Basics

First off, let’s clear the air on the naming. Tremors are often confused with muscle spasms and/or twitches, but these are completely different and unrelated. Tremors come in two primary types, known as resting and action. These are named after the current movement and positioning of the body when the tremor occurs. Therefore, resting tremors are those that occur while sleeping on the couch or lounging your favourite chair, while action tremors happen while moving a part of your body. 

Tremor Categories

Although there are two main types of tremors, there are certain categories that yours may fall under (these need to be diagnosed by a medical professional to be certain about which one you have). Parkinsonian tremors, as the term implies, are of the resting variety and typically indicate early-onset Parkinson’s disease – usually once you’re in your sixties. Cerebellar tremors are related to your balance, usually caused by cerebellum damage in the form of neurological disease or stroke. Physiological tremors can be caused by substance addiction withdrawals and as a side effect of certain drugs, not to mention low blood sugar.  

Treatment

There are several treatment solutions out there intended to address tremors, and usually, these will at least lessen their severity. They include means of brain stimulation utilizing controlled electrical currents (typically reserved for the most serious cases), chemical injections, various medications including beta-blockers and alternatives for folks who can’t take them, and physical therapy. The latter is particularly useful in that it promotes improved muscle strength, balance, hand dexterity, and coordination. Speak to your practitioner about which option is the safest and most potentially effective for your tremors, should you have them.

Tremors are increasingly commonplace with age, but there are many different causes; sometimes, as touched on earlier, these serve as warning signs of things to come. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get them examined and diagnosed accurately, helping you understand the appropriate preventative care pathway. For caregiving services geared towards a friend or loved one living with a condition causing serious tremors, reach out to us at C-Care today. We’re here to help in any way we can.

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Symptoms of the disease include tremors, decelerated movement, changes in speaking, writing changes, damaged posture and balance, and stiffness.

The following are the 8 most common treatments for Parkinson’s disease:

1. Medical prescription: Currently, there is no standard treatment for the disease. The treatment of each patient is based on their symptoms. However, there are several medications and therapies that are available to improve the quality of the patient’s life by reducing the symptoms. Here are some of the treatments used:
   
   • Carbidopa-levodopa infusion
   • Dopamine agonist
   • Anticholinergic
   • MAO type B inhibitors
   • Pramipexole
   • Tasmar
   • Trihexyphenidyl
   • Laropoda
   • Benztropine mesylate
   • Amantadine

2. Surgical treatment options: Depending on the patient’s needs, health, medical history, and symptoms, the following procedures may be considered for the treatment of the disease:
   
   • A. Deep brain stimulation: This surgery is used in the progressive cases of Parkinson’s disease in patients who are not responding to the drugs. The process includes the insertion of electrodes in the brain which are connected to a generator inserted in the areas of the chest. From the generator, electrical pulses are sent to the electrodes. These pulses help to reduce the symptoms.
   • B. Pallidotomy: This surgery is done to eliminate the Globus pallidus which helps some patients feel better. It can improve tremors, balance, and movement.
   • C. Thalamotomy: Tremors can sometimes be a result of a troubled thalamus part of the brain. This surgery is geared towards destroying the part of the thalamus to block the causes of tremors from reaching the patient’s muscles.

3. Clinical trials: Researchers spend a lot of time studying prototypes of this disease in animals and cells. There have been several studies that have involved human subjects, called clinical trials. Taking part in a clinical trial can be a very gratifying experience for a person with Parkinson’s disease including getting access to the world’s top healthcare expert, advanced new treatments and high principles of care.




4. Exercise: Exercise is a very significant part of human health. To a patient with Parkinson’s Disease, it is an important component in helping the maintenance of balance, movement, and daily activities.




5. Complementary and over-the-counter therapies: Complementary therapies are used in addition to the medications. Examples of therapies include acupuncture, massages, and nutritional supplements.




6. Medicinal marijuana: With medicinal marijuana now legalized in Canada, it is evident that there is a strong interest in its medicinal properties. This drug has been shown to directly benefit some people with Parkinson’s Disease. Cannabis can be neuroprotective and can save the neurons from being destroyed by the disease. It is also used to treat symptoms.




7. Alternative medicines: These may include meditation, yoga, tai-chi, and art therapy, among others.




8. Coping and support: It is difficult to live with a chronic illness. Most of the time, a patient finds the loss of independence hard, particularly because the disease affects every aspect of their lives. Friends and families can provide emotional support and nursing care is also important.

Home Health Care For Parkinson’s Disease

To learn more, call C-Care Health Services today at +1-866-433-1085 or contact us here.

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• Tremors
• Slow movement
• Rigidity
• Impaired balance
• Affected posture
• Dementia
• Mood alterations (depression, or anxiety being common)

Parkinson’s is a challenging disease both for those who suffer from it, and for their family members. When diagnosed early, there are many things you can do to minimize symptoms, including exercises, some of which we’ll list here.

1. WalkingParkinson’s affects your gait, often causing you to take smaller steps, as well as impeding balance. This combined with stiffness can cause falls. In order to combat these difficulties, try to walk regularly. While walking, aim to:
   • Swing your arms.
   • Take long steps.
   • Pay attention to the way your foot lifts and lands as you step.

   Walking is also an all-around healthy way to get exercise, and should always be part of your daily routine.

2. StretchingParkinson’s symptoms can cause muscles around your hips and hamstrings to become tighter, rounder, and shorter. Depending on your level of mobility, there are many stretches you can do to target these muscles:

   Seated Hamstring Stretch: Sitting at the edge of a chair, extend one leg straight, keeping the heel on the floor, while your other legs stays bent. Placing your hands on your bent knee for support, lean forward until you feel the stretch in your hamstring. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.

   Forward Bend: There are a couple of ways to stretch your hamstrings while standing. If you are more mobile, you can do a simple forward for, bending over your legs and placing your hands wherever is comfortable (ie. shins, ankles, floor, grab opposite elbows). Depending on your flexibility you can forward bend over straight or slightly bent knees. Hold for 5-10 breaths, and be sure to come up slowly.

   Standing Hamstring Stretch: This is an adaption of the seated hamstring stretch, and is a great way to stretch hamstrings without any strain to your back. From standing, place one foot on a stool or chair (make sure it won’t slip!) and straighten your knee. Keep your chest and back straight as you slowly bend over your knee, and hold for 30-60 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.

3. Chest OpenerCombat a rounded spine with a simple chest opening stretch. While seated, bend elbows and clasp your hands behind your head. Keeping your spine straight, and without any strain on the neck, push your head back into your hands and move your elbows as close together as you can. Perform about ten repetitions, trying to stretch as open as you can without strain.

   While performing any exercise, pay close attention to your breath. Even just sitting comfortably and breathing deeply any day is beneficial for Parkinson’s patients. Pay attention to the way air fills your diaphragm and stretches your body.

   With any exercise, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too far. Any concerns should be taken up with your doctor.

Home Health Care For Parkinson’s Disease

C-Care is pleased to provide high-quality, fully customized care for those with Parkinson’s. Contact us today for more information.

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There are many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, making it difficult for friends and family members to recognize when a risk is present.

The following are some of the warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. Understanding these common signs will provide valuable information that will assist you and your loved ones in the process.

Dizziness
Dizziness and fainting can be related to low blood pressure. This is often linked to Parkinson’s disease and can be a tell-tale sign that there is some risk of developing the disorder.

An individual may feel dizzy when standing up after long periods of sitting in a chair. If you observe dizzy spells frequently, consider investigating further.

Constipation
Parkinson’s disease is also indicated by issues related to the bowels. This is a result of the link between the digestive and nervous system. For many, constipation occurs alongside other symptoms related to Parkinson’s.

Issues related to the bowel are difficult to observe in others. So it’s helpful to ask if you think a loved one may be exhibiting signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Facial Expressions
Another common sign of Parkinson’s disease involves the expressions of the face. Individuals often take on a serious appearance that’s often referred to as “masking”.

If a person is staring without much blinking, you may need to consult with a doctor for further testing. Parkinson’s makes it difficult to control and move the facial muscles, resulting in signs of masking.

Movement Issues
Parkinson’s disease can also cause stiffness throughout the body. Normally, once a person moves around, the stiffness will go away. If it doesn’t, it may be an indication of Parkinson’s development.

Discomfort and immobility in the hips and shoulders are especially common in cases of Parkinson’s disease. If issues like muscle weakness make it difficult to walk or perform other simple tasks, you should consider testing for other signs of Parkinson’s.

Handwriting can also change as a result of this disease. Motor skills become more difficult and handwriting can become smaller and crowded.

Shaking
The most well-known symptoms of Parkinson’s involves shaking (or “tremors”). Look for shaking of the feet or hands. It may be hard to detect in the early stages, but it can become more severe over time.

If you observe tremors in another person, the condition may already be progressing. Keep this in mind as a way to determine if you or someone you know is experiencing the warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.

These warning signs can assist you in finding the right care as soon as possible. Consulting with a neurologist and other health care professionals will provide further testing so that you can make sure you have all of the care you need.

Home Health Care For Parkinson’s Disease

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When your loved one is first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, your focus should be on providing them with emotional support. You should make it clear that you are available to your loved one should he or she need someone to talk to. You should also make an effort to read-up on the disease in order to understand what your loved one is expected to go through, and understand in greater detail how you can help them cope.

With respect to the physical challenges associated with Parkinsons, you might offer to assist your loved one with household duties and routine tasks such as administering medication, preparing food, and cleaning.

You may also ask to attend doctor’s visits with your loved one so they feel supported in tackling the disease. Additionally, you should be prepared to report the emergence of new symptoms to the doctor that the patient doesn’t notice. It is important to be sensitive to change in your loved one’s demeanor and mood, as depression is a symptom of Parkinson’s, and any such changes should be reported to their doctor at the first sighting.

Caring for someone with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s can be emotionally draining, so it’s important that you continue to care for yourself. Otherwise, you could experience burnout or a drop in your quality of life.

Make sure that you continue to make time for yourself and to pursue things that interest you. Exercise, especially, is a great way to manage stress. You might look into programs that are available in your area to take care of your loved one while you are doing other things. You might also look into support groups for caregivers of people with Parkinson’s.

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be difficult but also very rewarding, knowing that you are playing such an important part in your loved one’s life. Make sure you continue to take care of yourself so you can perform at your best.

Home Health Care For Parkinson’s Disease

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