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In a message dated 97-06-03 22:57:58 EDT, Dennis Greene writes, in response to Stephan's post: << "why does dyskinesia increase under stress?" >> I would like to submit one bit of information which may or may not have bearing here. The human nervous system fires at different rates and intensities in different situations. When the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is in command, the nerves fire at 70 milliamperes per second per second (mas/s). This is the "all is calm" stage where our respiration is slow and steady, our stomachs are digesting the rum-filled chocolates with ease, and we blink and swallow at normal rates. When the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) takes over, we go into the fright/flight/fight mode, with increased heart rate, respiration, constricted pupils, and faster nerve firing. The SNS kicks in due to stressors. If there is fear, anger or physical trauma, there is faster firing. [When the stressors cause reactive increases in nerve impulses to the point of 90 mas/s, pain is sensated (90 mas/s is the proverbial "Pain Threshold").] At any level above 70, the increased intensity of nerve impulses COULD mean that the anomalous nerve impulses causing dyskinesia in PD are simply going out by faster messenger and the visible signs of PD are more readily apparent. Commercial for massage therapy: Relaxation massage helps decrease SNS activity, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Choose a quiet room, have your pressure strokes go toward the heart, glide your hands slowly across the recipient's lubricated skin . . . . and both of you will benefit [temporarily -- I think one of the many neat things about massage is that its effects wear off and it's time to get another wonderful experience. This keeps us literally in touch with one another (*-*) ] I appreciate any thoughts on the theory of mas/s increase and dyskinesia. Deanne Charlton (CG) [log in to unmask]