PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS

PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs due to the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, balance problems, and changes in speech or handwriting. While Parkinson’s disease is more common with aging, it can also affect younger individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life through medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and in selected cases, advanced therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Dr. Dixit and his team can facilitate referrals to appropriate facilities/neurosurgeons for the same


Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal voluntary or involuntary movements. Apart from Parkinson’s disease, these include:


  • Essential tremor: probably the most common; usually hereditary. Most respond to medications, but some may need surgical treatment like DBS and Functional Ultrasound Surgery (FUS). Dr. Dixit and his team can facilitate referrals to appropriate facilities/neurosurgeons for the same
  • Dystonia: Abnormal sustained movements of a body part, involving limbs or head and neck. Medical treatments and Botox therapy are beneficial
  • Chorea: Abnormal involuntary movements of the limbs or head/neck- Huntington’s disease is a well known hereditary condition. Currently, medical treatments are available for suppression of abnormal movements. Our team helps with diagnosis of this disabling condition with genetic testing.
  • Tic disorder, Tourette’s syndrome – We advise different medical treatments
  • Restless legs syndrome is a very common condition, which can be disabling and interfere with sleep. A careful approach to diagnose RLS is needed, especially to check for iron (Ferritin) deficiency. Has an excellent response to medications


Specialized evaluation by a neurologist helps identify the underlying cause and develop personalized treatment plans aimed at improving mobility, independence, and overall well-being.  Call Neurology Center of Las Vegas to schedule a consultation or book online today.

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?

Movement disorders are neurological (nervous system) conditions that cause abnormally increased or reduced motions that may be voluntary or involuntary.


Types of movement disorders include:


  • Ataxia
  • Chorea
  • Dystonia
  • Huntington's disease
  • Multiple system atrophy
  • Myoclonus
  • Parkinsonism
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Tardive dyskinesia
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Essential tremor
  • Wilson's disease


One of the most common types of movement disorders is Parkinson's disease.


Parkinson's disease causes various uncontrollable body movements. It affects brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that you need to move smoothly and with purpose.

The four chief symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:


Tremors

Parkinson's tremors or shakes often involve a back and forth rhythm.


Motion rigidity

Motion rigidity results in stiff, tense, contracted muscles and movement resistance.


Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia is the slowing down of movement that affects your ability to carry out routine motions and simple tasks.


Postural instability

Postural instability leads to poor balance and increases the risk of falls.


Other symptoms of Parkinson's include difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking, emotional changes, dementia or cognitive problems, fatigue and difficulty sleeping, and bowel and bladder issues.

Parkinson's typically affects people in later life but can develop in younger adults as well.

WHAT TREATMENTS HELP WITH MOVEMENT DISORDERS & PARKINSON'S DISEASE?

The treatment you need for your movement disorder depends on the nature of your condition. Dr. Dixit prepares an appropriate care plan for you based on your individual needs. Potential therapies include:


Medications

The standard medication for Parkinson's disease is levodopa combined with carbidopa. Levodopa helps your nerve cells make more dopamine, and carbidopa works to stop changes from taking place before the levodopa gets to your brain. Alternative medications include:


  • Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, and apomorphine)
  • Anticholinergic medications
  • COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) inhibitors
  • MAO-B (monoamine oxidase B) inhibitors


You can take advantage of the Neurology Center of Las Vegas's IV infusion services to receive certain medicines. They have onsite facilities where you can relax in comfort while your medication goes into your bloodstream via an intravenous line in your arm.


Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

DBS can help with problems like tremor, motion rigidity, bradykinesia, walking problems, essential tremor, dystonia, and focal epilepsy. Dr. Dixit fits a battery-operated implantable pulse generator (IPG) that sends electrical signals to specific areas of your brain, unblocking the faulty nerve signals that are causing your symptoms.


To find out more about these and other effective ways of managing movement disorders and Parkinson's disease symptoms, call Neurology Center of Las Vegas or book an appointment online today.