Levodopa Intestinal Infusion is one of the best treatments for advanced Parkinson’s disease and other motor symptoms. This treatment is also known as Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel (LCIG). Levodopa Infusion is available at the Melbourne clinic, where it is offered in specific centers within certain health facilities. Due to the excellence of the Melbourne clinic, this treatment is available there. Here are some symptoms that may lead to the use of Levodopa Infusion:
● Advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease
● Difficulty in movement and tremors
● Severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and severe dehydration
● Memory problems
● Blurred vision
● Darkening of urine or sweat
● Fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure
● For those unable to take medications orally
Levodopa Infusion is used to treat various symptoms of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Here are the primary reasons
for using this treatment:
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It acts as an important neurotransmitter that helps
stimulate the brain.
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It helps in alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
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It aids in reducing tremors,
muscle stiffness, and movement difficulties.
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It helps relieve severe headaches and body pain.
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It is used to calm the body and assist with sleep.
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It compensates for the deficiency of dopamine levels.
A continuous stream of the medication is directly delivered into the small intestine for up to 16 hours.
Compared to oral levodopa, the Intestinal Infusion reduces the frequency and duration of “on” and “off” periods, freezing of gait and dyskinesias throughout the day.
Levodopa Intestinal infusion replaces oral Levodopa and most Parkinson’s medications. It makes it much easier for patients and their carers not to worry about taking multiple medications at specific times of the day
Levodopa is delivered directly into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach. This can reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects and improve the absorption of the medication.
Individuals with dysphagia or those who prefer to take fewer tablets may find the infusion to be a suitable alternative.
Levodopa intestinal infusion has the ability to decrease “off” time which is comparable to that of deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical procedure that involves implanting a device to send electrical pulses to the brain and alleviate motor symptoms.
A minor surgery is required to insert the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy jejunal tube or PEG-J tube into the gut.
Before Tube Insertion
Before undergoing levodopa intestinal infusion, you will meet with your movement disorders neurologist and then gastroenterologist to discuss the benefits and risks of the treatment. The gastroenterologist will give instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, such as stopping blood thinners and anti-diabetic medications. In addition, may arrange for you for blood tests, chest x-ray, and ECG.
During Tube Insertion
You will be connected to an IV line and given a sedative to help you relax. The gastroenterologist will carefully make a small incision in your abdomen and insert a tube into the small intestine. The tube will be connected to a pump that will deliver the medication. A cassette containing levodopa/carbidopa is attached to the pump. Although the procedure may seem complex, our medical team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you are well taken care of throughout the process. You will stay for a few days in the hospital to allow for fast recovery after the PEJ tube insertion.
After Tube Insertion
Pain or discomfort around the incision site is expected for a few days after the PEG-J tube insertion. You may experience other side effects, such as bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, or constipation, which can be managed with medication or changes in diet. It may take some time for the medication to take effect. The dose and delivery rate will be adjusted as recommended by your neurologist to achieve the best results. You and your family will have plenty of training from a nurse on using and caring for the tube. Our Nurses will continue to review you in the community periodically, and they can be contacted between visits if needed.
Results
In several well-designed clinical trials, Levodopa intestinal infusion increased “on” time for almost 3 – 6 hours compared with oral levodopa-carbidopa. The studies also found that it eased PD’s motor and non-motor symptoms, including insomnia, pain and cognition and improved well-being and quality of life in people with advanced disease that was not well controlled
We provide comprehensive services to patients with Parkinson’s disease. Our team is experienced in accurately diagnosing the condition in new patients. We also offer treatment planning services, which involve updating and refining existing treatment plans to ensure patients receive the most effective and appropriate care possible.