Excess saliva

Excess saliva in neurological diseases is caused not because of an excess of saliva but because an individual no longer swallows the saliva as effectively. This can lead to drooling, coughing, and/or aspiration (entry of saliva into the breathing passages, which can cause infection). Read more...
More about Excess saliva
Saliva is the watery and usually somewhat frothy substance produced in the mouths of humans and some animals. Produced in salivary glands, saliva is 98% water, but it contains many important substances, including electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds and various enzymes. The digestive functions of saliva include moistening food, and helping to create a food bolus, so it can be swallowed easily. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase that breaks some starches down into maltose and dextrin. Thus, digestion of food occurs within the mouth, even before food reaches the stomach.In neurological diseases, no more saliva is produced than in a healthy individual, but due to swallowing problems it remains pooled in the mouth or may leak out as drool/dribble. Excess saliva is an important symptom for several reasons; firstly it is embarrassing in social situations and may cause considerable distress, leading to avoidance of social situations which can shut down the individual's social network. Secondly there is a risk of "aspirating" saliva, that is, having it pass into the lungs rather than down the oesophagus. Aspirated saliva (or food) is a risk factor for pneumonia and other pulmonary complications, and is more likely to occur during mealtimes. Thirdly, by constantly wiping away saliva from around the chin or mouth area, patients can cause skin conditions such as redness and irritation. Tissues medicated with a lotion or balm can moderate this to some extent. In early stages of the disease, treatment is restricted to avoiding certain foods, but there are a variety of medications available to reduce secretions.

Stiffness

Muscle spasticity is characterized by tight, stiff muscles and is a common symptom of several neurological disease, causing cramping, stiffness, and muscle discomfort. Read more...
More about Stiffness/spasticity
Stiffness, spasticity, and increased tone all refer to an increased level of muscle contraction in its resting state. A normal limb is floppy when relaxed and can easily be moved through a passive range of motion by a neurologist. A spastic limb or one with increased tone may rest in an abnormal, contracted position, or provide resistance when moved through a range of motion.In ALS, spasticity is a sign of upper motor neurone damage and can occur in any part of the body including the limbs and tongue. Treatment is usually pharmacological but may involve physical therapy such as massage or hydrotherapy. Spasticity can be more marked in patients with the upper motor neurone-predominant form of the disease, primary lateral sclerosis.In MS, spasticity is also associated with neurone damage, and is more commonly found in the legs than other regions. There are three types of symptoms associated with spasticity in MS: Spasms; powerful uncontrollable muscle contractions which can be extremely painful and can be triggered in many ways eg coughing, sneezing or a full bladder,Clonus; a repetitive movement, such as a constant tapping of the ball of the foot, and Contracture; when muscles become shortened and fix a limb in one position. (read more about spasticity in MS at World of MS)In Parkinson's disease, spasticity may take the form of dystonia, characterised by sustained muscle contractions causing stiffness, twisting, or immobility. Although dystonia can occur in any part of the body, it most commonly occurs in PD in the feet or hands.
This information should not be considered medical advice. Consult your doctor before utilizing any treatments described here.

Top Parkinson's medication

Top Parkinson's Treatments
Carbidopa/Levodopa
Pramipexole
Ropinirole
CoQ10
Rasagiline
Stalevo
Amantadine
Vitamin - Multi
Rotigotine Patch
Selegiline

Testimonal of PD

For a number of years I fell into the diagnostic category of "undefined motor neuron disease". When I received a diagnosis, the label I was given was Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA), which means that to date I have had no upper motor neuron involvement (spasticity and brisk reflexes). However, I still have a 50/50 chance of this thing turning into ALS. Depending on how you look at this, in some ways this was good news because the typical PMA progression is much slower than the ALS progression. Time will tell...

Testimonal of PD

It was about 9 years ago that my tremor began, initially as essential tremor that involved primarily my right hand. Gradually, a second more distinctive tremor appeared; it was a "pill rolling" resting tremor that involved my right hand and both hands showed essential tremor. I "hung up my spurs" from flight nursing in January 20001; the constant tremors that were too hard to explain after being overcome by severe depression as well. The tremor was too difficult to explain. We moved from Rockford,Illinois to Colorado Springs Colorado. I was still very functional,and not taking Sinemet yet. I was a stay home mom, and went back to school to finish my BSN. I went on Sinemet at about 2003 to control my Parkinsonian tremor, my neurologist at the time told me she didn't think I had PD. In 2005,my neurologist committed suicide. I was so upset I did not see a neurologist until June 2006,when I met my present doctor. When I met him,he tried to cut back my Sinemet from 6 tabs to none,as he could only find a diminished blink. When I cut back to my 3rd Sinemet, I ended up in the emergency department with uncontrollable tremors, I walked with a reasonable gait except for when I got tired I would drag my right leg. Now I am regulated on Mirapex,Stalevo and Clonipin and Seligiline(Em-Sam). My biggest problems now are making sure I keep a positive attitude and exercise daily. My symptoms are much better and more med responsive with daily exercise It is discouraging to have the dyskinesias from Sinemet. Right now I am waiting to complete my evaluation for deep brain stimulation 9/3/2007 I have noticed a major worsening of dyskinesia that is related to my cycle. I am experimenting(with Dr permission) using less Stalevo and Mirapex after the period then a gradual buildup. Seems to be working! Still waiting for DBS eval

Medications for Parkinson's

Treatment
Category
# of Patients
Carbidopa/Levodopa
Prescription

Pramipexole
Prescription

Ropinirole
Prescription

CoQ10
Supplement
Rasagiline
Prescription

Stalevo
Prescription

Amantadine
Prescription

Vitamin - Multi
Supplement

Rotigotine Patch
Prescription

Selegiline
Prescription

Deep brain stimulation
Procedures

Exercise
Physical Therapy

Vitamin C
Supplement
Omega 3 fish oil
Supplement

Entacapone
Prescription

Aspirin
Over The Counter

Physical Exercise
Other

Clonazepam
Prescription

Calcium
Supplement

Synthroid
Prescription

Atenolol
Prescription

Folic Acid
Supplement

Bupropion
Prescription
Venlafaxine
Prescription

Sertraline
Prescription

Omeprazole
Prescription

Vitamin D
Supplement
1
Lipitor
Prescription

Vitamin E
Supplement

Escitalopram
Prescription

Curcumin
Supplement

Trihexyphenidyl
Prescription

Quetiapine
Prescription

Flax seed oil capsules
Supplement

Cymbalta
Prescription

Creatine
Supplement

Ibuprofen
Over The Counter

Vitamin B Complex
Supplement

Paroxetine
Prescription

Propranolol
Prescription

Fluoxetine
Prescription

Glucosamine
Supplement

Citalopram
Prescription
Vytorin
Prescription

Trazodone
Prescription

Mental Exercise
Other

Alprazolam
Prescription

Furosemide
Prescription
Acupuncture
Other

Modafinil
Prescriptiont

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