Parkinson's disease treatment at a Movement disorder clinic

A movement disorder clinic is a specialized healthcare facility or department that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various movement disorders. Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect a person's ability to control and coordinate their movements. These disorders can manifest as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and other abnormal involuntary movements. Movement disorder clinics typically have a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals with expertise in neurology, rehabilitation, and other relevant fields. 

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Raising awareness about Parkinson's disease is crucial to foster understanding, support, and research efforts aimed at improving the lives of individuals affected by the condition. 

Amongst those above 60 years of age nearly 2 percent individuals suffer from parkinsonism and nearly 15 percent of elderly people develop parkinsonism by the age of 85 years. Parkinsonism causes excessive slowness of all physical activities and rigidity of the body. Although most people neglect these symptoms and attribute them to aging, timely treatment with the right medicines can lead to dramatic improvement in patient's condition and vastly improve their quality of life.

Although considered a disease of old age genetic forms of Parkinson's Disease can begin as early as 10 years of age. Slowness of activity, rigidity of body and tremor are considered as core features of Parkinson's Disease but many other related features may occur several years before the onset of these core features. These related features include Constipation, Decreased sense of smell, Abnormal talking or limb movements during sleep, Decreased interest in day to day activities, Frozen shoulder and  Urinary complaints.

Understanding Parkinson's Disease

• Neurological Origin: Parkinson's disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a shortage of dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for smooth and coordinated muscle movement.

• Motor Symptoms:

  • Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hands.

  • Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement.

  • Rigidity: Stiffness of the limbs and joints.

  • Postural Instability: Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination.

• Non-motor Symptoms:

  • Cognitive changes, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating.

  • Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

  • Sleep disturbances.

  • Autonomic dysfunction affecting blood pressure and digestion.

• Progression: Parkinson's disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. The rate of progression varies among individuals.

Impact of Parkinson's Disease on Daily Life

• Functional Impairment: As Parkinson's progresses, it can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities independently.

• Quality of Life: Parkinson's affects not only physical health but also emotional well-being, leading to challenges in maintaining a good quality of life.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

• Clinical Evaluation: Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical evaluation, including a detailed medical history and neurological examination.

• No Definitive Test: There is no definitive test for Parkinson's disease, making accurate diagnosis challenging, particularly in the early stages.

• Medications: Medications, such as levodopa, can help manage symptoms by replenishing dopamine levels. Other medications and therapies may also be prescribed.

• Surgical Options: In advanced cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may be considered to alleviate symptoms.

Living with Parkinson's Disease

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Managing Parkinson's often involves a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.

• Exercise and Physical Therapy: Regular exercise and physical therapy play a crucial role in maintaining mobility and managing symptoms.

• Supportive Care: Support groups and counseling can provide emotional support for both individuals with Parkinson's and their caregivers.

Caregiver Support

• Caregiver Challenges: Parkinson's not only affects individuals diagnosed but also places significant demands on caregivers. Support and resources for caregivers are crucial.

• Education: Educating caregivers about the disease and available resources can enhance their ability to provide effective care and support.

What is the cause of tremors?

Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic movements of a part of the body and can occur as a symptom of various medical conditions. Proper diagnosis and management of tremors involve a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals. Here's an overview of the process:

Diagnosis

• Clinical Evaluation:

  • A thorough medical history is taken to understand the onset, duration, and characteristics of the tremors.

  • Details about medications, alcohol or substance use, and family history are considered.

  • Neurological examination is conducted to assess other motor functions, reflexes, and coordination.

• Differentiating Types of Tremors:

  • Essential Tremor: Most common tremor, typically affecting hands, head, or voice during voluntary movements.

  • Parkinsonian Tremor: Appears at rest and often improves with purposeful movement.

  • Dystonic Tremor: Occurs in individuals with dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions.

• Diagnostic Tests:

  • Neuroimaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be conducted to rule out structural abnormalities.

  • Blood tests may be performed to check for metabolic or hormonal causes of tremors.

• Electrophysiological Studies:

  • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can help assess the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.

Management

• Addressing Underlying Causes:

  • Treating the underlying medical condition contributing to tremors is a priority. This may involve managing medication side effects, correcting metabolic imbalances, or addressing neurological disorders.

• Medications

• Botulinum Toxin Injections

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

• Regular Follow-Up:

  • Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals are crucial to assess treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.

It's important to note that the approach to diagnosis and management of tremors may vary based on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. Individuals experiencing tremors should seek evaluation and guidance from healthcare professionals, preferably those with expertise in neurology or movement disorders, for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies.

What is restless leg syndrome?

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. This condition typically occurs during periods of inactivity, such as sitting or lying down, and can significantly disrupt sleep.

Key Features of Restless Leg Syndrome

• Urge to Move Legs:

  • Individuals with RLS experience an uncontrollable urge to move their legs to relieve uncomfortable sensations.

• Uncomfortable Sensations:

  • Sensations are often described as crawling, creeping, tingling, or aching in the legs. These sensations can vary in intensity and may be difficult to describe.

• Symptoms at Rest:

  • Symptoms typically worsen when at rest, such as during periods of inactivity or when trying to sleep.

• Improvement with Movement:

  • The urge to move and uncomfortable sensations are temporarily relieved with movement, such as walking or stretching.

• Nighttime Symptoms:

  • RLS symptoms often peak during the evening or nighttime, leading to difficulty falling asleep and disrupted sleep.

• Impact on Sleep:

  • Sleep disturbances can result in fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and impaired daytime functioning.

• Chronic Condition:

  • RLS is a chronic condition that may progress over time, with symptoms fluctuating in severity.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Unknown Cause (Idiopathic RLS):

  • In many cases, the exact cause of RLS is unknown (idiopathic).

  • There may be a genetic component, as RLS can run in families.

• Secondary Causes:

  • Some cases of RLS may be associated with underlying medical conditions such as iron deficiency, kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, or pregnancy.

• Medication-Induced RLS:

  • Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, may trigger or worsen RLS symptoms.

Diagnosis

• Clinical Evaluation:

  • Diagnosis is primarily based on a thorough medical history and clinical evaluation.

• Criteria for Diagnosis:

  • The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group has established diagnostic criteria, including the presence of an urge to move the legs and uncomfortable sensations, worsening at rest, and improvement with movement.

• Laboratory Tests:

  • Blood tests may be conducted to assess iron levels, as iron deficiency is associated with RLS.

Management and Treatment

• Lifestyle Modifications

• Iron Supplementation

• Medications

• Treatment of Underlying Conditions

• Sleep Hygiene

Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with Restless Leg Syndrome should consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or sleep specialist, for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management strategies tailored to their specific needs.

At Acropolis Neurology Clinic we also offer treatment for other diseases like

• Botox therapy for blepharospasm, writer's cramp, torticollis, oromandibular dystonia and hemifacial spasms

• Medical therapy and rehabilitation measures for primary dystonia

• Evaluation and management of tremors, chorea, tics, gait disorders and Tourette syndrome