Dealing with freezing (motor blocks) in Parkinson's disease

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Dealing with freezing (motor blocks) in Parkinson's disease

Freezing, or a sudden loss of mobility, can be very disabling, especially when it affects walking. There are several tricks you can learn to help you become “unfrozen” when a freezing episode occurs.

Step towards a specific target on the ground. Recently, some people have begun using handheld laser pointers to create a target.
Place a cane or walking stick on the floor in front of you (or have someone else do it) and then step over it.
Make your first step a precise, stiff-legged, marching-type step, with a long stride.

These or other techniques may help you overcome freezing and get moving again. Specially trained dogs and special devices are available that can help you if freezing is a severe or frequent problem.

Apomorphine (Apokyn) is a fast-acting dopamine agonist that seems to be helpful in treating freezing associated with Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine can be injected under the skin when muscles become "frozen." Apokyn can be taken with an antinausea drug to prevent side effects of severe nausea and vomiting.

Credits

Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Updated	December 13, 2006

Last updated:	December 13, 2006
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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