Topics Covered
In this lesson, we will delve into various potential contributors to nervous system hyper-excitability. Hyper-excitability can manifest in different forms, such as epilepsy, migraines, neuropathic pain, tics, twitches, irritability, nervousness, etc.
We will explore the neurobiological basis of these conditions and understand how hyper-excitability of the nervous system contributes to their development. Prevention, assessment, and treatment will be discussed.
You will gain knowledge about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available. Additionally, we will discuss the impact of hyper-excitability on an individual's overall well-being and explore strategies to manage and cope with these conditions effectively.
Particular attention will be given to:
- Dopamine insufficiency
- DHEA insufficiency
- Stress management, coping strategies
- Overwhelming stressors: abusive homes, comorbilities...
- Low minerals- magnesium, lithium, potassium...
- Hydration and electrolyte status
- Role of GABA
Dr. Laurie K Mischley
Dr. Mischley has spent the past two decades studying the unique nutritional requirements of people with Parkinsonism and working to find better ways to measure, monitor, predict, and prevent PD.
Her academic training is in naturopathic medicine (ND), nutrition (BS, PhD), and epidemiology (MPH). She created the PRO-PD outcome measure, built the Parkinson Symptom Tracking App (www.pd-symptoms.com), has trained dogs to detect the scent of parkinism in ear wax (ParK-9.com), is lead investigator of the MVP-Study.com, and is founder of the Parkinson Center for Pragmatic Research (CPR). She created Parkinson-School.com in 2020 as a way to empower patients, accelerate education and catalyze some long-overdue conversations.
Anxiety Improves Following Dopamine Repletion
In the MVP Study, when individuals with PD went from "not on any dopamine" to "100 mg 3x/day of 25/100 c/levodopa IR," anxiety was the symptom that improved the most over the following 6 months.
Mineral Deficiencies
Electrolytes regulate communication between neurons. It is well established that low minerals can decrease the threshold at which neurons fire, creating a state of neuronal hyper-excitability.
DHEA Plummets with Age
DHEA is a naturally neuroprotective hormone that diminishes with age, likely increasing our susceptibility to age-related diseases. With loss of DHEA comes a loss of resilience.