Neurological Disorders | Parkinson's Disease and Spina Bifida

Neurological disorders
Parkinson's disease and Spina bifida
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Date

Introduction
According to World Health Organization, neurological disorders entail group of diseases which
affects the central and peripheral nervous system. Microorganisms such as bacteria, virus and
parasitic infections can affect the nervous system, while the neurological symptoms occurring can
manifests by infections. Millions globally are diagnosed with this group of diseases (WHO, 2016). In
this review, Parkinson and spina bifida conditions shall be focussed. An assessment of their clinical
features, medical management and the role of podiatrists in the medical multidisciplinary team is
discussed.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a long term progressive disease on the nervous system which has effects on
the movement and mobility. Symptoms often start gradually with noticeable tremors in the hand,
stiffness and slow movement. Most observable signs and symptoms entail tremors, rigid muscles,
slowed movements, loss of automatic movements and speech changes,(Kalia and Lang, 2015).
Causes have been traced to genetic factors and environmental triggers; increased exposure of
chemicals and prior head injuries have been observed to have an elevated risk of developing this
condition. The motor effect of the condition leads to the death of cells in the midbrain regions. The
consequence of this is an insufficient amount of dopamine in the brain (Ascherio and Schwarzschild,
2016). The resultant death of cells is poorly understood, however, it entails proteins build up in the
neuron section. More often the diagnosis is undertaken based on neuron imaging assessments (Baid
and Baid, 2019).
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a birth defect condition characterized by the incomplete closing of spine membranes
in the spinal cord in the early development of the pregnancy. This state occurs in the lower back
while in rare occurrence can be observed in the neck or middle back. Ti is categorized into three
types spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele. The development aspects of this
disease are believed to originate from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In the
dietary aspects, insufficient intake of folate during the pregnancy period and before plays a
fundamental role. Other associated risks factors entail obesity sates, poorly managed diabetes and
seizure medications contribute to the disease occurrence (Routh et al., 2016). The diagnosis of this
condition occurs after or before the birth of a child. Blood tests detecting high levels of
amniocentesis often find increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein associated with increased risks.

Ultrasound assessments and medical imaging are diagnostic features of this condition (Saladin,
2010).
Clinical features
The underlying clinical features for Parkinson's disease entail four cardinal features grouped into
tremors at rests, rigidity, akinesia, and instability of the postural. Further, the flexed posture and
motor block freeze have been categorized as classical features of the condition. At the onset, the
typical observation entails asymmetric resting trembling observed in the upper extremity levels.
Another occurrence of nonmotor symptoms has been observed. These entail aspect such as
reduction f the olfactory functions. Further, rapid eye movement disorder is observed among the
patients’ are observed in the early stages of disease occurrence (Jankovic, 2010 ).
Spina bifida clinical features entail the occurrence of the weakness of the legs and paralysis,
orthopedic abnormalities, problems related to bladder and bowel control pressure sores and rapid
eye movements. Further, it is estimated that 68% of children having this condition are allergic to
latex, ranging from mild state to live threatening levels. Myelomeningocele type is often diagnosed
at birth with the observation of posterior vertebrae elements observed as a protrusion in the
meninges. Spina bifida occulta occurs without any consequent however it can lead to developmental
challenges such as the occurrence of spinal cord lipoma or fibrous cord which can cause neurologic
signs (Bhide, et al., 2013).
Medical management
Spina bifida has no known medication management for the nerve damage caused. The common
standard form of medical management entails surgery after delivery, geared towards preventing
more damage to the nervous tissues and preventing infections. This entails closing on the opening at
the back, putting back the nerve roots inside the spine and allowing the meninges to cover.
Installation of stunt can be made to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain (Adzick, 2013).
Parkinson's state medication management entails medication, surgery and physiological approaches
aimed at offering relief. The main categories of drug used entail levodopa, dopamine agonists and
MAO-B inhibitors; the disease stage determines the level of treatment be applied (Connolly and
Lang, 2014). During pregnancy, the standard and safe treatment is after delivery. In severe cases
treatment can be done while the baby is the womb, however, evidence has not shown any benefits

or harm in this period (Grivell, Anderson, and Dodd 2014). The treatment process can be facilitated
through other stages such as childhood and during the transition to adulthood (Ng et al., 2017).
Role of a podiatrist in the multidisciplinary team
A podiatrist is a physician engaged in the management of the foot and ankle. This is a medical
profession that is geared towards the management and treatment of disorders related to the foot,
ankle and lower extremity regions (Elbers et al., 2015). In Parkinson's occurrence, a podiatrist can
offer care on the feet especially in the presence of hard skin, thick or having corns. Further, they can
provide orthotics essential for the management of pain and increase the stability of the body.
Podiatrist care in the development of spina bifida is characterized by the management of the lower
limbs and therapeutic surgical intervention aspects. They can aid in the management of functional
limitations occurring due to nerve damage. Further, assessment and care of skin and nail issues
arising from the altered weight-bearing state are undertaken (Hannick & Koyle, 2019).
Conclusion
Occurrences of neurological disorders have a fundamental impact on the quality and sate of life. The
occurrence of spina bifida among children and Parkinson's disease alters the normal life activities
and coordination of the body. With no clear medication management, podiatrists play a
fundamental role in implementing care intervention to reduce the effects occurring on the patients.
Engaging in a multidisciplinary team is essential in offering care for the patients affected by these
disorders.

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