Only in the last 30 years have dramatic breakthroughs been made in the management of Parkinson's disease. Current treatment can significantly relieve people's symptoms and markedly improve their quality of life. Treatment Options Treatment for Parkinson's disease may include any or all of the following: The first stage of treatment for Parkinson's is an accurate diagnosis. This is tricky, as we have noted, particularly early in the disorder when distinguishing Parkinson's disease from other diseases with similar symptoms is particularly difficult. It may be helpful to see a neurologist who is experienced with what are called movement disorders. A movement disorder specialist has expertise in diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease and related disorders. A visit to a movement disorder center may also be useful. Most such centers are connected with a department of neurology at a medical school, although some are freestanding clinics. The centers have access to appropriate rehabilitation facilities and are usually involved in research studies. The Maryland Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center is such a center. For more information about the University Physicians Consultation and Referral Service, please call 1-800-492-5538 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians). This page was last updated: May 24, 2013 See the article here: … Continue reading →

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, there are several measures that can be taken to improve a patient's quality of life. These measure include drug and surgical therapy. The other options available include making lifestyle changes, and employing physical and speech therapy. One of the very first options suggested by doctors is medication. There are several drugs available. All with different roles. Most people manage Parkinson's Disease with medication. But in some cases severe symptoms can heavily reduce one's quality of life and sometimes the medications side effects are difficult to deal with. In situations like these, a surgical alternative may be sought. There are several surgical options available, these include: Just like any other surgery, there are risks. The major risk is bleeding in the brain that would cause a stroke. A stroke usually occurs during the surgery or a few hours after. The effect of the stroke can range anywhere from permanent brain damage to mild or permanent weakness and even death. When an electrode is implanted it can become dislodged but it is relatively easy to locate using MRI or CT scans. Additional surgery will be required to replace the electrode, increasing the risk of … Continue reading →

Treatment for Parkinson's Disease (PD), due to its chronic nature, requires broad-based management including patient and family education, support group services, general wellness maintenance, exercise, and nutrition. At present, there is no cure for PD, but medications or surgery can provide relief from the symptoms. While many medications treat Parkinson's, none actually reverse the effects of the disease or cure it. Furthermore, the gold standard treatment varies with the disease state. People with Parkinson's therefore often must take a variety of medications to manage the disease's symptoms.[1] Several medications currently in development seek to better address motor fluctuations and nonmotor symptoms of PD. However, none are yet on the market with specific approval to treat Parkinson's.[2] The main families of drugs useful for treating motor symptoms are Levodopa, dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors.[3] The most commonly used treatment approach varies depending on the disease stage. Two phases are usually distinguished: an initial phase in which the individual with PD has already developed some disability for which he needs pharmacological treatment, and a second stage in which the patient develops motor complications related to levodopa usage.[3] Treatment in the initial state aims to attain an optimal tradeoff between good management of … Continue reading →