Parkinson’s disease
First described in 1817 by J. Parkinson, it is a central nervous system disease that affects the structures responsible for movement, balance, maintaining muscle tone and posture. One of these structures is the substantia nigra, a nucleus of the brainstem that contains dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter that regulates movement. The disease is manifested by tremors, slowing, stiffness and impaired balance, posture and gait.
Treatment is pharmacological and surgical interventions are indicated in some cases, although physical therapy may be helpful for correcting or alleviating the patient’s motor problems.