Paralysis Agitans
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a type of movement disorder. It happens when nerve cells in the brain don't produce enough of a brain chemical called dopamine. Sometimes it is genetic, but most cases do not seem to run in families. Exposure to chemicals in the environment might play a role.
Symptoms begin gradually, often on one side of the body. Later they affect both sides. They include:
- Trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
- Stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- Poor balance and coordination
As symptoms get worse, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking, or doing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems, or trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
There is no specific test for PD, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Doctors use a medical history and a neurological examination to diagnose it.
PD usually begins around age 60, but it can start earlier. It is more common in men than in women. There is no cure for PD. A variety of medicines sometimes help symptoms dramatically. Surgery and deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help severe cases. With DBS, electrodes are surgically implanted in the brain. They send electrical pulses to stimulate the parts of the brain that control movement.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Felter's Materia Medica on Paralysis Agitans
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...cases of epilepsy due to masturbation have been relieved by conium, and it lessens the movements of paralysis agitans. As a remedy for pain conium is fairly efficient, but it takes fair-sized doses to... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
The alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Duboisia myoporoides, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Myoporaceae), the Corkwood elm or Ngmoo of Australia and... / ...d is said to be a better calmative and hypnotic in states of mental excitement. The morphine habit, paralysis agitans, and especially the excitability and insomnia of the insane have been treated with... / ...decreases the secretion of urine, hence it should be used with care and judgment.1
Physician's Materia Medica on Paralysis Agitans
This compound of camphor possesses properties quite distinct from those of camphor itself. It is used chiefly as an antispasmodic in epilepsy, chorea and paralysis agitans and as a calmative agent generally, but its usefulness is limited owing to liability to produce gastric disturbance. Dose. 0.06 to 0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.).2
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Paralysis Agitans
Useful remedies are combinations of strychnine, arsenic and iron; cannabis ind ica, zinc valerianate and gelsemium; glycerophosphates; sparteine, belladonna.2
References
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.