The ABCs of Parkinson’s Disease: The Letter B
Second in a series. Read part one.
The letter B is for balance and Botox.
Balance
Many people with Parkinson’s experience walking or balance problems, which can occur in differing degrees. Gait problems can range from the disease slowing your speed, to a lessening of your arm swing and steps that tend to mimic shuffling instead of having a regular stride. You may also struggle with difficulty getting started or freezing in place. Experiencing problems with your balance can cause unsteadiness and falls that make everyday tasks challenging and frustrating.
These symptoms can be tough to treat, but there are ways to manage them: medication adjustment, exercise, and physical therapy. A home safety evaluation may also help.
There are exercises to improve balance for people with Parkinson’s disease. Plus, you can learn methods for getting back up after a fall to avoid injury as much as possible.
Join our Parkinson’s News Today forums to discuss living with PD.
Botox
And what else is connected to Parkinson’s disease that begins with “B”?
Why, Botox, of course. People have Botox injections for many different reasons, but in Parkinson’s disease, researchers have found it to be a great help for those suffering from dystonia.
Dystonia is the contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. These contractions can often cause painful and abnormal positions of various parts of the body, for example, the curling of a patient’s toes.
Botox is injected into the affected muscles. The contracted muscles are weakened by the use of Botox, causing them to return to a more normal state. Because of its short effectiveness duration, Botox will most likely need to be reinjected every three to four months.
My neurologist talked about the benefits of Botox for relieving the areas where I was suffering from dystonia, mainly in my back and neck. He injected me with Botox, and within two days I could move my neck again and the pain in my back subsided. It made a world of difference.
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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
About the Author
Comments
Diana Rowlands
Good afternoon, i am a wife and mother aged 58 diagnosed with PD 5 years ago aged 53. I am writing a blog type of thing in instalments about my journey which i hope people will find interesting, amusing and perhaps helpful. Is there anywhere connected with Parkinson's Today i could publish it?
Kind Regards
Diana
Joe
Diana. I am a new pdp at 56 and I’d like to read it. I need info for us that are still working age who aren’t able to retire yet and spend every day exercising at the Y. Too many pd stories are aimed at the retired folks. Send me your blog? [email protected]
Umananda Kalita
Hi
My father is also fighting PD for the last two years. His only rigorous problem is tremmbling of left hand. Can we use botox to subsidise it. Also is Syndopa plus effective?
Sherri Woodbridge
Hi Umananda - I’m sorry to hear about your father. You would need to consult a neurologist/movement disorder specialist for an answer to your questions. I don’t know the answer and those are questions you would want one of them answering.
Daniel Novak
Botox did provide relief, but too much is too much.
My neck muscles weakened to the point where I had to balance my head on my neck. If I bent over, there it went!
Be careful, as always, what you ask for.
Sherri Woodbridge
Daniel - thanks for your comment. You are right that we need to be careful and what works great for some doesn’t work at all for others and vise versa and too much of a good thing is not always a good thing.
Terry Perkins
Daniel it would be helpful to know the dosage and if your neck and head returned their to previous state after the Botox wore off. I am considering Botox for pain and posture and getting as much data and experience information as I can. Thanks, Terry
ronald rudge
I severe pain in my thighs I have had parkinsons for 9 years I am 69 years old would you recommend bowtox injects
Mary Lakin
I have just had a diagnosis of PD, I'm a young and active 78. Three years ago I had Botox injections for a twitchy eye. The first injection had no effect. They increased the dose and the whole side of my face dropped as if I had a stroke. It tool 6 months to wear off and my face still feels odd. I'm wondering if it was perhaps instrumental in triggering this PD? Has anyone ever had any similar experience?
Barbara Hicks
My friend has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the last year . She has had Botox twice the first time nothing happened. Now after the second lot she cannot lift her head so cannot look up or lift her arms . She is very depressed . She has great difficulty swallowing. Will these effects wear off , how long will this take?
Alba Mercado
Hi, I'm having most of the symptoms I'm 53 n I can stop the tremors. I was able n love to walk 6 miles a day n today I tried n couldn't do it i guess I will miss that the most.i have to see my neurology on Wednesday I need prayers!!! Thanks
Sherri Woodbridge
Alba - I am sorry to hear about your struggles and you have my prayers!