Regaining control.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). There are typical symptoms such as tremor (shaking), bradykinesia (slow movement), rigor (stiffness), and postural instability, as well as various non-motor symptoms that can occur before the disease onset. They differ in severity in each patient, often begin unilaterally, and can develop at different rates.

Parkinson’s disease is caused by several factors, but mainly through the death of dopaminergic cells, which results in an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the CNS. Cells that produce the substance dopamine gradually die as the disease progresses. The resulting lack of dopamine leads to a relative excess of glutamate. A consequence of the disturbed balance of neurotransmitters is an impairment of movement control. Furthermore, patients can suffer from accompanying symptoms such as sialorrhea, depression, pain, fatigue and sleep problems.

However, with early diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual needs, it is possible to alleviate symptoms and significantly improve quality of life.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder charactised by involuntary muscle overactivity resulting in abnormal posture. There are patients with dystonia in every age group, whereas the disorder may appear in various forms and can affect different body parts. The causes of dystonia are not fully known. While an involvement of movement control centres is obvious, the cause might be found in various regions. It could originate, for example, in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, pyramidal tracts, or the medulla oblongata.

Characteristic symptoms are involuntary muscle spasms that trigger unusual body posture and movements. They can occur in different body parts, often in muscle groups of the head, neck, arms or legs.

Spasticity is derived from the Greek word spasmós, meaning cramp. Damage to parts of the central nervous system (CNS) that control muscle activity can lead to spasms. This damage can arise from injury such as from traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. A medical condition such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, a brain tumor, or brain damage that may be caused by oxygen deficiency, encephalitis or meningitis.

From a medical perspective, spasticity is a pathological increase in muscle tension. The hypertonicity in muscles leads to a permanent hardening and stiffening, known as spasticity. The degree of spasticity varies in terms of severity, as well as the accompanying symptoms. This is related to the areas of the CNS which are affected and to what extent. Symptoms are associated with functional impairments (e.g. hand function), restrictions in mobility, as well as limitations in everyday activities and quality of life.

Sialorrhea is defined as an uncontrolled excess of saliva due to an inability to clear the saliva from the mouth and/or increased saliva production (hypersalivation), resulting in constant drooling. Sialorrhea can cause the development of skin infections and rashes up to potentially life-threatening pulmonary infections (aspiration pneumonia). Furthermore, it can greatly impact quality of life in patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury and atypical parkinsonism. Affected individuals often feel embarrassed, which may lead to isolation, anxiety, depression and self-disgust. Despite this, sialorrhea is underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterised by inflammation, demyelination and degenerative changes in the central nervous system. The disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including limb weakness, gait problems, vision problems, sensory disturbances, fatigue, cognitive deficits and neuropathic disorders. Multiple sclerosis has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Physical and social consequences all contribute to the overall challenges faced by people with MS.