Neurologist Who Specialize In Parkinson’s

Do You Have To See A Movement Disorder Specialist For Parkinsons Disease

There are some general practice neurologists and other clinicians who arent movement disorder specialists who work with people with Parkinsons disease.

However, movement disorder specialists have the unique training and experience to treat and manage all motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease, as well as have familiarity with all Parkinsons medications and treatment options. This makes movement disorder specialists the best choice to handle the nuances of Parkinsons care at every stage of the disease.

What To Look For In A Parkinsons Disease Neurologist

Here is a checklist of basic questions for your prospective neurologist:

• How long have you worked in the field? How many Parkinson’s patients do you see a year?
• Do you have special training in movement disorders? Are you board-certified in neurology?
• Who do I see when you are not available?
• What hospital do you use for treating patients?

It’s important to understand that the online rating systems for healthcare providers are not very accurate. Or they are, in some ways, and it is not the information you are looking for. For example, many of these ratings rank a healthcare provider high if he is always on time and never backed up. If you think about the clinic setting and the inability to really control what happens in a typical day, and the healthcare provider who is always time may be the healthcare provider who never has that extra minute to give you when you need it. These ratings also often include how easy it is to get an appointment.

Of course, the healthcare provider who is exceptional that everyone wants to see ranks poor on this measure, and the healthcare provider who doesn’t have a strong following ranks high. If you do look at these rankings, make sure to read the comments, and realize that one bad comment could simply represent one patient having a bad day after being given a diagnosis he didn’t want.

Seeing A Movement Disorder Specialist

A movement disorder specialist will work closely with your neurologist or current doctor to plan your care and follow-up. A movement disorder specialist also is likely to have relationships with other specialists and allied care professionals who have experience with PD, including physical, occupational and speech therapists. A team of professionals can help provide more holistic care and address your specific needs.

Even if youve been treated for Parkinsons for some time, you may want to consult a movement disorder specialist to:

• review your current medications and recommend adjustments if needed
• assemble a team of health care professionals who will work together to determine the most appropriate treatment for your changing condition

Hear what our community suggests for preparing for an MDS appointment.

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Newly Diagnosed With Parkinsons: Blakes Story

I went to my doctor and I was shaking. He said, you need to see a neurologist. So, I got an appointment with a neurologist and he told me I had Parkinsons disease.

At first, I thought that cant happen to me. It happens to other people. Thats how I spent the first few years, in denial.

Then, I started living a more active lifestyle and exercising. I also started reaching out to others. Sharing and talking with other people that were going through what I was helped. I reached out to Parkinson Canada and registered for Parkinson Canada SuperWalk. I posted on my Facebook asking for donations and told people about my diagnosis. Participating, and sharing, became part of my healing.

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When Do Parkinsons Patients Usually Start Working With A Movement Disorder Specialist

Generally, if you or a loved one is experiencing any unusual symptoms, its common to start by making an appointment with a primary care doctor or clinician. Primary care doctors are trained to treat hundreds of conditions and can help connect you with the right specialists and ongoing care.

However, you dont need a doctors referral to see a neurologist or movement disorder specialist. You can make an appointment directly. But its important to check with your insurance plan, so you know whats covered. Sometimes plans require a doctors referral to cover certain types of care.

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What Is Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease is a chronic and progressive motor system disorder that occurs when vital nerve cells in the brain called neurons malfunction and die. Some of the affected neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of your brain that controls movement and coordination. The amount of dopamine in the brain decreases as Parkinsons progresses, leaving patients unable to control movement.

Because Parkinsons disease develops gradually, it often starts as a barely noticeable tremor in one hand, or a constant lack of facial expression. Parkinsons disease cant be cured, but there are a variety of medications and treatments that can significantly improve its symptoms and quality of life.

A Multidisciplinary Approach To Care

Parkinsons disease is a condition that can affect different aspects of your life, including mobility, mood, and sleep. We work with a highly trained and dedicated team of specialists that are all focused on helping you live better with Parkinsons disease.

• A Nurse can help your physician provide you the best care and address concerns about medications and other Parkinsons-related symptoms.
• A Physical Therapist can evaluate and treat you to optimize your mobility, physical activity, and safety.
• An Occupational Therapist can help you stay active and independent in your daily activities.
• A Speech Therapist can evaluate you and provide recommendations and treatment if Parkinsons is affecting your speech or swallowing.
• A Social Worker can answer your questions and provide counseling about life transitions, options if you need help with your care, and financial and work-related issues.
• A Spiritual Care Provider can offer support and facilitate positive spiritual coping if you are struggling with your illness.

You have changed my life. I started using the MGH PD Exercise videos on New Year’s Day and have exercised every day since then even when I got my first COVID vaccine jab and had a very sore arm. Now, I actually look forward to my exercise sessions with you… I am stronger, more flexible, have better stamina and am healthier both physically and emotionally because of your work.

• Medication-induced movement disorders

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Parkinsons Foundation Center Of Excellence

Mount Sinai Beth Israel is designated as a Center of Excellence by the Parkinsons Foundation, specialized team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, physical and occupational therapists, mental health professionals and others who are up-to-date on the latest Parkinsons disease medications, therapies, and research to provide the best care.

Parkinsons Patients Do Best If Treated By Neurologist

Study Shows Parkinsons Patients Cared for by Neurologists Are Less Likely to Be Put in Nursing Homes

Aug. 10, 2011 People with Parkinsons disease may live longer if treated by a neurologist, a new study suggests.

The study also found that Parkinsons patients who see a neurologist are less likely to be placed in a nursing home and less likely to break a hip.

The study is published in Neurology.

This is a very interesting and unique investigation, Washington University researcher Allison Wright Willis, MD, tells WebMD. There are ways that we can help improve the lives of people with Parkinsons disease beyond discovering a cure and beyond discovering the cause.

Researchers analyzed the records of nearly 138,000 newly diagnosed Parkinsons disease patients receiving Medicare seen in outpatient clinics during 2002. Between 2002 and 2005, 58% of them were treated by neurologists.

The fact that more than half of Parkinsons patients are already seeing a neurologist for treatment is reassuring to James C. Beck, PhD, director of research programs at the Parkinsons Disease Foundation.

But that still leaves a large number, over 40%, who are not seeing a neurologist for their care, Beck tells WebMD. Beck was not involved in the study.

The study revealed that women are 22% less likely than men to see a neurologist, and minorities are 17% less likely than whites to see a neurologist.

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How Is Parkinsons Disease Treated At Orthoneuro

Parkinsons Disease is generally managed with medications as well as lifestyle changes. For instance, your OrthoNeuro Neurologist may recommend a consistent exercise routine.

There are a variety of medications used to treat the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease that your OrthoNeuro Neurologist will discuss with you. Your OrthoNeuro Neurologist will monitor your reaction to these medications and adjust dosages as needed until your symptoms are controlled.

Tips: Prepare For Your Doctor’s Appointment With These Questions:

• How do my other health conditions and medications affect my PD?
• If you are not available between visits, who may I communicate with and how?
• Are you aware of any new research and treatments?
• Are there lifestyle changes that can help my PD?
• Should I get a second opinion? This is common practice and a reputable doctor will not be offended by the question.

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Want More Articles Like This

Much more can be found inourEvery Victory Counts®manual.Its packed with up-to-date information about everything Parkinsons, plus an expanded worksheets and resources section to help you put what youve learned into action.Request your free copy of theEvery Victory Countsmanual by clicking the button below.

Thank you to our 2021 Peak Partners, Adamas, Amneal, Kyowa Kirin, and Sunovion, for helping us make printing, distribution, and shipping of the Every Victory Counts manual possible.

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Community And Socioeconomic Variables

Although previous studies of the impact of community and socioeconomic factors on access to specialist treatment in people with PD are uncommon, studies of referral and treatment patterns in people with cancers have demonstrated that neighborhood social and economic factors affect the level of care sought and quality of care received.1214 We applied a previously developed county-level socioeconomic deprivation score, composed of census data on education , employment , and poverty , weighted to reflect the neighborhood factors that affect access to specialty care.15

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Treating Parkinsons Disease And Other Movement Disorders

Patients suffering from Parkinsons disease and other types of movement disorders face a daily struggle to interact with the world around them like they used to. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons understand the struggles that our patients face, and work directly with those in their care to craft an individualized treatment plan that will help them manage their symptoms and improve the quality of their life.

Parkinson’s Treatment And Research At Henry Ford

Our doctors are committed to helping you restore lost motor functions. When you come to Henry Ford, youll have the opportunity to work with board-certified movement specialists and even participate in movement disorders research and clinical trials. Our doctors and researchers are involved in research for new and advanced treatments that will slow or postpone the onset of illness.

Treatments you and your care team may explore include:

• Medication: Many of the movement symptoms associated with Parkinsons are caused by lack of dopamine, a chemical produced by the brain. Current medicines work as a dopamine replacement and can improve tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with the disease. Ongoing research is exploring new medicines that may be effective in treating symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
• Deep Brain Stimulation: Deep brain stimulation therapy can be an excellent option for patients who no longer have relief of their symptoms with medication. While it is not a cure for Parkinsons, it can dramatically relieve some symptoms and improve your quality of life. Learn more about deep brain stimulation.

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How Do Movement Disorder Specialists Work With You To Create A Personalized Treatment Plan

Movement disorder specialists training and experience make them ideal doctors to develop a plan for treating and managing symptoms, as well as help you or your loved one live well throughout the course of Parkinsons disease.

Your movement disorder specialist can:

• Manage Parkinsons disease medications and potential side effects
• Recommend and perform botulinum toxin injections, which can help with symptoms such as drooling or limb dystonia
• Treat and manage non-motor symptoms such as depression, constipation, low blood pressure and sleep disturbances
• Evaluate you for deep brain stimulation or other invasive Parkinsons therapies, and manage your care after the procedure

But one of the most important aspects of a movement disorder specialists role should be coordinating care with other specialists such as:

How Was The Study Performed

Willis et al. reviewed Medicare data to explore 2 questions. First, what characteristics determine whether a patient with Parkinson disease sees a neurologist? Second, are patients who see a neurologist likely to live longer than patients who do not see a neurologist? The Medicare data for this study data came from insurance claims. When a doctor sees a patient, he or she provides some basic information on forms sent to Medicare as reasons for payment, such as the diagnosis being treated. This type of data is powerful due to the large number of patients with these data. However, insurance claim-based data sources lack detailed information, so reaching definite conclusions is difficult. For example, an insurance claim just records that a patient has a diagnosis of PD, but does not record symptoms, how long he or she has had the disease, or how severe the symptoms are.

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How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed

Theres no specific test that can diagnose Parkinsons disease. The experienced neurologists at Michigan Neurology Associates & PC perform a thorough evaluation of your overall health and a review of your symptoms. They also discuss your personal medical history and the history of your family.

To rule out other underlying medical conditions, you may need to undergo blood work or imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI of your brain.

Finding The Right Movement Disorder Specialist

Having the right partnership with your doctor can make a difference, not just in managing your Parkinsons symptoms but also in how supported you feel overall. Its important for you to feel confident in that relationship and to have access to a treatment team that meets your needs.

Finding a good movement disorder specialist is a lot like hunting for a good dentist or a good mechanic: You need to ask around. Your primary care doctor or neurologist may be a good place to start. Or ask people in your support group, if you attend one, whom they see. You can also try contacting one of the national Parkinson’s organizations.

In choosing a doctor, consider how much the doctor knows and how well the doctor listens. Remember, no two cases of Parkinson’s disease are alike. Having a doctor who understands this, and who listens to you, is crucial.

With any Parkinson’s doctor, you are a partner in your care. Educate yourself about PD. Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and you can’t get the best care unless you’re specific about what you are experiencing. It’s okay to ask why particular treatments or therapies are being recommended , and it’s okay to get another opinion.

The MDS Movement Disorders Specialist Finder can help you locate a doctor in your area.

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Is Your Doctor Right For You

The first step is finding a qualified physician. Each type of insurance is different, but typically you will be required to be referred to a specialist such as a neurologist by your primary care doctor. If your symptoms warrant it, your doctor can refer you to a neurologist. This neurologist may decide that you should see a neurologist who is a Movement Disorder Specialist. If you have a preference as to which MDS you would most like to be seen by, be sure to discuss this with the doctor who is writing your referral order. In outlying areas where there are no MDS to see, try to at least be seen by a neurologist.

The second step is considering whether the neurologist or Movement Disorder Specialist is the right one for you. You should feel comfortable in this relationship and feel that you and the MDS are a good match.

Parkinsons Disease Treatment: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

• Our team offers the newest and most effective therapies to address Parkinsons disease symptoms, from carbidopa/levodopa infusion therapy and laser ablation of brain lesions to deep brain stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.
• World-class neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins are exploring the biochemical pathways involved in Parkinsons disease, yielding greater understanding of the disease and paving the way for new treatments.
• Top specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, physical therapy, speech and swallowing, occupational therapy and mental health work together to improve quality of life for people with Parkinsons disease.
• Our Parkinsons disease center is a leader in establishing benchmarks for quality care and educating physicians, patients and caregivers.

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Multidisciplinary Movement Disorders Clinic

Patients who come to the Movement Disorders Clinic are seen by a movement disorders specialist, a neurologist who has extra training in evaluating and treating a person with Parkinsons disease. There are no blood or imaging tests that can confirm Parkinsons disease, so diagnosis is based on visible signs and symptoms, which are reviewed during a medical history and neurologic examination.

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Health Care Services Utilization And Outcome

Differences in long-term health and health care utilization in PD were determined by extracting data from the Beneficiary Annual Summary File, which provides individual level data on inpatient hospitalization, outpatient physician visits, home health services, and skilled nursing facility care. One-year SNF placement rates were calculated for subjects with PD without incident stroke/TIA . We performed logistic regression analyses of SNF placement with physician specialty as the primary effect variable, adjusting for race, age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation, and modified comorbidity index.

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