ofobjectivemeasuresforpatientfunctionsasrelatedto.docVIP

A system of objective measures for patient functions as related to quality of life Final Design Report May 5, 2004 Prepared By: Katherine Davis: BWIG Kayla Ericson: Communicator Rannveig (Maja) Middleton: Leader Kristin Riching: BSAC Client: Erwin B. Montgomery Jr. M.D. Department of Neurology Advisor: Professor Justin Williams Biomedical Engineering Department Background Movement disorders are characterized by neurological imbalances primarily resulting in a substantial loss of motor control. Although the causes of most movement disorders remain unknown, many originate from the dysfunction of the region of the brain called the basal ganglia. This area is greatly affected and can become severely damaged as a consequence of strokes, metabolic abnormalities, liver disease, infections, tumors, drug overdoses or side effects, and head trauma. These maladies significantly increase the risk of developing a movement disorder and only worsen with age. Movement disorders are classified as either hypokinetic or hyperkinetic, referring to the abnormal increase or decrease in motor activity. The most common symptoms of movement disorders include tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and a shuffling walk, but can also include slurred speech, reduced ability to show facial expressions, loss of fine motor skills, and a decline in intellectual function. Wild, involuntary movements known as dyskinesia are often mistaken as characteristics of the disease; however, these problems arise from the large doses of drugs and medications prescribed to control the major symptoms. Because of the varying degrees of severity and differences in symptoms ranging from person to person, movement disorders are especially difficult to analyze and are often misdiagnosed, which only adds to the complexity in determining a proper treatment. Recent breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology in neuroscience have evoked a new treatment for reducing the symptoms of movement disorde