PARKINSON DISEASE: PHYSICAL THERAPY -- AN OVERVIEW

Course overview

Parkinson disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder related to a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes a disruption in critical pathways that control muscle tone in extremities, posture, voluntary movement, balance, and gait. Onset of this chronic, debilitating condition is insidious; it usually begins unilaterally with mild symptoms, and eventually manifests bilaterally with increasingly severe symptoms. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of PT treatment for PD, its clinical indications and benefits, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.