Parkinson's disease: nursing care in emergency settings

摘要

Admission to hospital can be a frequent occurrence for people with Parkinson's disease, although the reasons for admission are often falls, fractures and infections rather than the condition itself. This CPD article explains why it is so important that staff in emergency departments (EDs) are aware of the needs of patients with Parkinson's disease so that exacerbation of symptoms can be avoided. There are 127,000 people in the UK with the condition, which causes lesions in the basal ganglia. These affect dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that enables control and coordination. Tremor, rigidity and postural instability are among the common symptoms.