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You wrote: > >On January 17, Ann M Strozewski <[log in to unmask]> wrote describing >symptoms which are suspected to be perhaps not parkinson's because of >1- lack of apparent response to sinimet >2- a very rapid progression after not progressing much for 1.5 yrs. > >This sounds very much like my father. After not progressing much for >several years, the symptoms increased dramatically. Also there is >not an obvious effect of sinemet. > >The rapid progression of symptoms may have been precititated by a fall >(bumped his head). He went from walking (preferably with a walker) to >bed ridden, in a couple of days. He spent a week in the hospital, and then >had to go to a nursing home. He is now in a wheelchair. > >He also has severe dementia. > >His neurologist, who we think is quite good, does not feel this is >unusual. His comment is that after any period of immobility, such as >the time he spent in the hospital, it is extremely difficult to work >back to where he was. His feeling is that even if he put forth supreme >effort to get back some mobility, he would soon end up back in the >wheelchair. Besides, in his current mental state he does not seem >capable of embarking on a rehabilitation program and sticking with >it, noting progress, etc. > >The neurologist sees nothing unusual and does not suspect any >other diagnosis. > >In summary, he seems characterized by: > >-little apparent response to sinemet >-severe dementia >-hallucinations >-no longer can walk >-unclear speech >-mild tremor >-very rapid progression in a short time > >He is taking 3X sinemet CR. He was taking 2X eldepryl, but we discontinued >based on comments from this list saying the eldepryl was bad for mental >confusion. But discontinuing eldepryl apparently had no positive effect. > >Any comments? Thanks... > >Warren Whitney >Ann Arbor, MI >email [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] > > Warren: He needs an imaging study (CT or MRI scan). He may have a subdural hematoma or some other surgically treatable condition. Please keep me posted. Best, Bob -- ******************************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S. Phone: 510-849-2555 Neurological Surgery FAX: 510-849-2557 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 USA E-Mail: [log in to unmask] CompuServe: 72303,3442 America Online: BobFink "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ********************************************************