Will scrub typhus worsen my Parkinson's disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

My Parkinson's symptoms have worsened dramatically, and I have also contracted scrub typhus. Carbidopa is not staying down, and my tremors are uncontrollable. I have a fever of 102.5, which is making my freezing episodes worse. Is this normal? There is an infected black scab on my leg. Need stronger antibiotics? How long will it take for my Parkinson’s medicines to start working again? Is it safe to increase the dosage?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am sorry you are going through this. Scrub typhus can be very serious, and understandably, your symptoms are escalating. Here is a breakdown of your concerns:

Carbidopa or Levodopa and Parkinson’s symptoms worsening: Scrub typhus infection could be affecting your body's ability to absorb or tolerate Parkinson's medication, and the fever may also be interfering. With fever and infection, it can be challenging for Parkinson’s medications to be effective. It is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately about adjusting your dosage or managing the symptoms more effectively while you are sick. Do not increase the dose without consulting them.
Uncontrollable tremors and freezing episodes: Fever, infection, and dehydration can exacerbate Parkinson's symptoms like tremors and freezing. Freezing is especially concerning with an infection. You might need additional supportive care for hydration, fever reduction, and symptom management.
Black scab on the leg: Scrub typhus often causes skin lesions that can become infected. The infection can worsen if left untreated, so it is possible stronger antibiotics or a change in antibiotic therapy may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to evaluate the wound and get appropriate treatment.
Fever (102.5 °F) and freezing episodes: This is not unusual in infections, as fever can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms. Your body’s response to the fever may make freezing worse, but managing the fever and infection is key to reducing these episodes.

Contact your doctor urgently for possible adjustments to Parkinson’s medicines or even to consider a different treatment approach while you are sick. Take measures to reduce fever, like cool compresses or antipyretics (under the doctor's guidance). Review your infection with your healthcare provider; stronger antibiotics or different treatments might be needed. If you are unable to keep food/medicines down due to nausea, talk to your doctor about alternatives to Carbidopa or Levodopa.

Please make sure you get professional help right away, especially considering how the infection and Parkinson’s are interacting.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.