TBI, anosmia, parkinsonism

    
      Re: TBI, anosmia, parkinsonism
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on May 05, 1997 at 15:04:13:

In Reply to: TBI, anosmia, parkinsonism posted by Chris Cunningham on May 01, 1997 at 09:29:54:

: I suffered a head injury (skull fracture & epidural hemotoma) while riding my bicycle in 1993.  I could not get any treatment in Naples Florida, where it occured, and traveled to Richmond Virginia in 1995 for testing (MRI, SPEC).   The doctor for Virginia recommends that I be put on Depakote and Sinemet.  I have been unable until now tho get a doctor to look at the test results.  I have an apointment at Jackson Memoral 5/7/97.  
      From the research I've done, it sounds like parkinsonism.  What is the progression of this?  What can I expect later in life?
      Also, I have total anosmia.  Is there any cure?  Is there any research being done to find a cure?  such as fetal cell implants.
  thank you,
  chris  
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Chris, It is difficult to comment on whether or not you may have post-traumatic Parkinsonism (first described in boxers along with dementia (Mohammed Ali suffers from this type of Parkinsonism), but typical symptoms include stiffness, trouble initiating movement, tremor etc. Anosmia in your case was likely due to destruction of nerves at the base of your skull in a structure known as the cribiform plate. I do not know of (and for that matter can't imagine anyone) doing research on the treatment of anosmia with fetal tissue implants, although research for treatment of Parkinson's disease with such implants is occurring. This research, as you can imagine, is highly controversial and regarded by some as unethical. Thus, it is unlikely anyone would pursue it for the treatment of a relatively nondisabling problem like anosmia, which does not affect one's neurologic functioning (although some people starve due to no flavors--- no joke!). There are new surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease recently discovered and being used. The University of Kansas and Emory Medical Center (Atlanta) are at the forefront of some of these procedures and may be good places to contact regarding their use in post-traumatic Parkinsonism, if you are ultimately diagnosed with this. I hope this information is helpful. Wear a helmet!!!!