Parkinson’s Disease Discharge Information

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by a problem in the brain. It is one of the most common diseases affecting movement in people over age 55. Parkinson's disease is a life-long condition that gets worse over time. Parkinson's disease happens when nerve cells in parts of the brain die or stop working properly. The nerve cells in the brain stop making an important chemical called dopamine. Without enough dopamine, brain cells fire out of control and you lose the ability to control muscle movements. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown. Possible causes include:

• Damage to cells caused by free radicals, which are harmful chemicals created by the body when your cells process oxygen
• Infection in the brain
• Being exposed to poisons such as carbon monoxide
• Changes in the genes passed from parents to children. Genes are in each cell of your body. They contain the information that tells your body how to develop and work.
• Long-term use of certain medications that can lead to a Parkinson’s like disorder

How can I take care of myself when I go home?

You will have Parkinson's disease for the rest of your life. Parkinson’s disease does get worse over time. However, with treatment, many people with Parkinson's disease stay in good health for years.

Management

• Your provider will give you a list of your medicines when you leave the hospital.
  • Know your medicines. Know what they look like, how much you should take each time, how often you should take them, and why you take each one.
  • Take your medicines exactly as your provider tells you to.
  • Carry a list of your medicines in your wallet or purse. Include any nonprescription medicines and supplements on the list.
  • Talk to your provider before you use any other medicines, including nonprescription medicines.
• Your provider may prescribe medicine to:
  • Help your body make and use dopamine effectively
  • Control tremors and reduce other symptoms of Parkinson’s
• Your provider may recommend other types of therapy to help relieve pain, other symptoms, or side effects of treatment.
• You may need to continue a rehabilitation program after you leave the hospital to help you have better use and control of your muscles. The rehabilitation program may include:
  • Physical therapy to help you regain muscle strength and teach you ways to move safely
  • Occupational therapy to help you learn to adapt to your symptoms and do tasks safely
  • Speech therapy to help you if you have problems with swallowing or speaking
• Follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes.
• Take care of your health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you smoke, try to quit. If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink. Learn ways to manage stress. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• If you have problems swallowing:
  • Take as much time as you need to eat meals.
  • Sit upright when you eat or drink.
  • Weigh yourself once a week to make sure that you are not losing too much weight.
  • You may need to make changes in some of the foods you eat. Ask your provider about the benefits of talking to a dietician to learn what you need in a healthy diet.
• Drink enough fluids to keep your urine light yellow in color, unless you are told to limit fluids. You may need to make liquids thicker and easier to swallow.
• Get flu and pneumococcal vaccinations as recommended by your provider. Infections worsen symptoms and disability from Parkinson's disease.
• Make your house safe:
  • Put up handrails in halls and bathrooms.
  • Remove anything that might cause falls.

Appointments

• Follow your provider's instructions for follow-up appointments.
• Keep appointments for any testing you may need.

Talk with your provider about any questions or concerns you have.

Call your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening:

• Shaking (tremor)
• Rigidity (looking and feeling stiff and unable to start moving)
• Slowed-down movements
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Drooling
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble thinking clearly or remembering
• Cramps or pain in your belly
• Side effects from your medicine, such as nausea, dizziness, and mental changes, such as hallucinations
• Weight loss more than your healthcare provider recommends in any month
• Depression
• Loss of bladder control