As Parkinson’s progresses, the therapeutic window - that time after a dose when medications are best easing symptoms with minimal adverse effects - gets shorter and less predictable. When that happens, OFF periods (not enough dopamine) and dyskinesias (too much dopamine) occur more frequently, which can be upsetting and also lead to falls.
During this webinar Dr. Sean Udow discussed the physiology behind the ups and down fluctuations of dopamine levels resulting in OFF time and/or dyskinesia, and how to recognize them. Therapeutic approaches including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and the Duodopa pump are explored, as well as non-therapeutic ways to get yourself moving again.
We also heard from Stephen Latimer who shared his experiences with DBS and other strategies he uses to navigate the ON/OFF/dyskinesia rollercoaster.