tärinätaudin

Tärinätauti, known in English as Parkinson's disease, is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor system. It is characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter essential for smooth, coordinated muscle movement.

The primary motor symptoms of tärinätauti are bradykinesia (slowness of movement), resting tremor (shaking that occurs when a limb is at rest), rigidity (stiffness in the limbs and trunk), and postural instability (impaired balance and coordination). These symptoms typically begin subtly, often on one side of the body, and worsen over time. Non-motor symptoms can also occur, including sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of smell, depression, and cognitive changes.

The exact cause of tärinätauti is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of characteristic motor symptoms and the absence of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. There is no cure for tärinätauti, but various treatments, including medications that replenish dopamine levels and therapies, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Deep brain stimulation surgery is an option for some individuals with advanced disease.