Led By A Movement Disorders Specialist
With Parkinsons disease, choices made about treatment can have a major impact on the long-term course of the illness. Therefore, many physicians recommend that Parkinsons patients see a movement disorders specialist early in the course of the disease. Led by Dr. David Sommer, a fellowship-trained neurologist who is a movement disorders specialist, the Parkinsons Disease Center of Central Massachusetts can provide a level of care that truly makes a difference in the daily lives of patients.
Healability: Preservation Of Health And Wellness Through The Promotion Of Well
Dr. James Farley is a world renowned parkinsons expert. He authored Creating healAbility for the Parkinsons to help those looking for answers for their parkinsons issues.
Cambridge Brain Sciences
Nationally Recognized Treatments
Some of Our Treatments & Technologies Seen On NIMI, PubMed, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, The Dr. Oz Show, Discovery Channel
Understanding Parkinsons Disease Through A Functional Medicine Framework
Dr. Ken Sharlin is one of the only functional medicine doctors that is also a neurologist. With this background, Dr. Sharlin aims to uncover the root cause of diseases and disorders like Parkinsons to help patients improve their quality of life without drugs or surgery.
When examining PD through a functional medicine lens, its crucial to understand the concept of Lewy bodies. Composed primarily of the alpha-synuclein, Lewy bodies are aggregates of proteins that accumulate in the brains in those with PD.
Some evidence suggests that PD may start in the gut, where patterns of inflammation trigger the formation of these protein aggregates. These then travel through the vagus nerve to the brain, where they accumulate and destroy the dopamine-producing nerve cells.
This holistic framework for the disease involves other factors, too, such as the minimization of mitochondria , toxin exposure, and hormone imbalances.
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Effective Care And Advancing Research
Parkinsons disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the nervous system that causes people to gradually lose control over movement and other functions. The cause of PD is unknown, and currently there is no cure.
The physicians in UT Southwesterns Movement Disorders Clinic have advanced training and significant experience in managing PD. Our team collaborates with specialists across the medical center to help patients continue living their fullest possible lives, through a combination of treatment and rehabilitation.
UT Southwestern offers coordinated care for patients with Parkinsons, providing the full range of services and support needed to diagnose this illness and manage its symptoms and complications.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition affecting neurons in your brain, particularly those that produce a chemical messenger called dopamine.
As the neurons deteriorate and die, dopamine levels fall, affecting how your brain functions and leading to movement impairment and other problems.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
Movement disorders
Parkinson’s disease causes shakes or tremors and affects your balance, resulting in postural instability. You might also experience motion rigidity, where your muscles contract and become stiff, tense, and resistant to movement. You could develop bradykinesia as well, where your movements slow down, affecting your ability to complete simple tasks.
Throat disorders
Patients with Parkinson’s disease often develop issues like problems chewing, dysphagia , and slowed or slurred speech.
Cognitive and emotional problems
Parkinson’s disease can affect how clearly you think, your memory, and other cognitive functions, and may develop into dementia. It’s also common for people with Parkinson’s disease to have depression and undergo emotional changes.
Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and problems with bowel or bladder function.
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The Future Of Functional Medicine Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
Drugs and surgery are not the only options. Guided by the functional medicine approach, Dr. Ken Sharlin has developed an advanced protocol for Parkinsons disease called Brain Tune Up!. Over five to eight months, participants are equipped with the tools they need to boost their well-being and re-imagine the trajectory of their health for the rest of their lives.
Parkinsons Disease Treatment At Houston Physicians Hospital
According to the Parkinsons Foundation, over 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the condition each year. This amounts to over one million annual cases.
Our team of expert neurologists, movement disorder specialists, and physicians utilize state-of-the-art technology, extensive training, and medical expertise to diagnose and treat Parkinsons disease. By examining each patients symptoms, our doctors tailor individualized treatment plans that focus on treating pain, alleviating the neurological issues, and restoring mobility.
Late diagnosis and misdiagnosis are the two biggest reasons why Parkinsons worsens over time. If left untreated, the disease may cause chronic impairment, hallucinations, and excruciating pain. With timely detection, diagnosis, and treatment, patients can resume normal activities without experiencing the terminal stages of the disorder.
Parkinsons Diagnosis at Houston Physicians Hospital
Our extensive diagnostic process considers the patients age, lifestyle, medication use, symptoms, and medical history into account to create a personal diagnosis. In addition, patients will also undergo a neurological and physical examination as well as an imaging scan which examines the brains dopamine system. Doctors may order additional imaging scans including MRI and CT scans to rule out other conditions and disorders.
Parkinsons Treatment at Houston Physicians Hospital
Should I Get Tested for Parkinsons?
- Stiffness in the limbs
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Coxhealth Parkinsons Support Group For Seniorsspringfield Area
This group is available for caregivers and those who have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease that are age 65+. Masks are required.
Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital
3535 S. National Ave
Meetings held the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2:30 PM.
Please call if youre interested in attending or have questions.
Provides faith-based support for Parkinsons disease.
Kings Way United Methodist Church
2401 S. Lone Pine Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
Meetings held the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2 PM and 6 PM.
Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons has four main symptoms:
- Tremor in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Muscle stiffness, where muscle remains contracted for a long time
- Slowness of movement
- Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
Other symptoms may include:
The symptoms of Parkinsons and the rate of progression differ among individuals. Early symptoms of this disease are subtle and occur gradually. For example, people may feel mild tremors or have difficulty getting out of a chair. They may notice that they speak too softly, or that their handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small. Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes in someone with early Parkinsons. They may see that the persons face lacks expression and animation, or that the person does not move an arm or leg normally.
People with Parkinson’s disease often develop a parkinsonian gait that includes a tendency to lean forward take small, quick steps and reduce swinging their arms. They also may have trouble initiating or continuing movement.
Symptoms often begin on one side of the body or even in one limb on one side of the body. As the disease progresses, it eventually affects both sides. However, the symptoms may still be more severe on one side than on the other.
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The Woodlands Neurologist Doctors And Specialists For Parkinsons Disease
Type of Physician: Neurologist
What is a Neurologist? A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology practitioners focus on the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. The neurologist is often the primary physician but also serves as a consultant to other physicians and may render all levels of care, including the continuing care of outpatients and/or inpatients. The neurologist will often perform and interpret tests that relate to the nervous system or muscles.
Specialty: Neurology
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Common Types Of Movement Disorders
The term movement disorders refers to a group of nervous system conditions that cause abnormal, increased, decreased or slowed movements, which may be voluntary or involuntary.
Ataxia
A disorder of the part of the brain that controls coordinated movement . Ataxia may cause uncoordinated or clumsy balance, speech or limb movements.
Cervical dystonia
This condition causes long-lasting or intermittent contractions of the neck muscles. Cervical dystonia may cause the neck to turn in different ways.
Chorea
Chorea is characterized by involuntary movements that are repetitive, brief, irregular and somewhat rapid. The abnormal movements typically involve the face, mouth, trunk or limbs.
Dystonia
This condition involves sustained, involuntary muscle contractions with twisting or repetitive movements. Dystonia may affect the entire body or only one part of the body .
Functional movement disorder
This condition may resemble any of the movement disorders but is not caused by neurological disease.
Huntington’s disease
This condition is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes uncontrolled movements , impaired cognitive abilities and psychiatric conditions. Huntingtons disease is an inherited , progressive disease.
Multiple system atrophy
This rare condition causes movement disorders, including ataxia and parkinsonism. It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects many brain functions and can cause low blood pressure or impaired bladder function.
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What Treatments Help With Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is so far incurable, but Houston Neurological Institute offers several effective therapies that help with common problems like memory issues, fall prevention, controlling tremors, and difficulties walking. Some of the medications the physicians use include:
- Levodopa and carbidopa
- MAO-B inhibitors
- COMT inhibitors
The delivery system for these medications is usually oral, but they may be available via intravenous infusion. Houston Neurological Institute has an IV infusion suite on-site, where you can receive your regular treatments in comfortable surroundings.
Another highly effective therapy for Parkinson’s disease is deep brain stimulation.
The Benefits Of An Expert
General neurologists and specialists have a lot more experience diagnosing and treating Parkinsons than a general practitioner. Recent research underscores this point. A 2011 study showed that people newly diagnosed with Parkinsons who went to a neurologist lived longer than those who saw a primary care provider, they were less likely to need placement in a skilled nursing facility and they seemed less likely to have experienced injuries from falls.
Another study that year found that people diagnosed with PD by a neurologist were more likely to receive an anti-PD medication prescription immediately upon diagnosis the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Neurology than those who were diagnosed by a non-neurologist.
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Best Parkinson’s Disease And Idiopathic Parkinsonism Doctors Inhouston Tx
We found 311doctors who treat Parkinson’s Disease in Houston.
Doctors who treat Parkinson’s Disease in this region have an average rating of 3.8 stars. Below are some of the best options around Houston. The providers below have at least 1 or more past patient ratings, so you can be confident that these providers have the experience that you are looking for.
Right At Homes Trained Care Experts Can Help
If you are one of the 1 million Americans with this chronic condition, you know that symptoms generally develop slowly over the years. Our goal is to be there for you as the disease progresses, providing as much or as little care as needed. Right at Homes specialized home care teams know just how to work with the muscle stiffness and tremors to help prevent frustration and falls. We also help individuals with Parkinsons disease stand strong with these beneficial caregiving services:
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Support For People With Parkinsons Disease
If a patient wishes, the Movement Disorders team maintains an ongoing relationship that includes follow-up appointments with physicians and advanced practice providers to monitor the condition as it progresses. Family members are included in discussions about the goals of a patients treatment and rehabilitation program. Caregivers have access to services such as psychological counseling, support groups, and educational programs.
UT Southwestern also hosts an annual Parkinsons Disease Patient and Caregiver Symposium for patients, their families, their caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more about the disease. The symposium reviews the latest clinical treatments, ongoing research projects, new drugs, and leading-edge developments that are on the horizon.
Finding The Right Doctor
Managing Parkinsons disease well can be challenging. Finding a doctor whos well-versed in PD and will help guide you on the journey makes it easier.
Its natural to begin by discussing initial symptoms with your family doctor or internist, who may refer you to a general neurologist or one specialized in movement disorders to rule out Parkinsons.
The Parkinsons Foundation recommends people diagnosed with PD seek out a movement disorders specialist one who can become a key player on your healthcare team. For people living far from an academic medical center or a specialist in private practice, we recommend a knowledgeable, nearby general neurologist for most of your care and then traveling a longer distance two to three times each year to see a specialist. Finding a specialist can seem like a daunting task, but it doesnt have to be. The Parkinsons Foundation can guide you step by step through the process of finding one.
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Huntingtons Disease Support Group
The Houston Area Huntingtons Disease Support Group meets the second Saturday of every month from 2-4 p.m. at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Medical Plaza North, 920 Frostwood in the Bunker Hill Room. This group is open to anyone in the community who is dealing with Huntingtons Disease, including individuals with HD, individuals at risk for HD, caregivers, family and friends.
For more information, or call .
First Approved Study Of Stem Cells In Parkinsons Patients Is In Houston
Haley Hernandez, Health Reporter
Houston More than ten million people worldwide are living with Parkinsons, and 60,000 are in the U.S.
Its a chronic, progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time.
A new therapy, currently in trials, is proving to be a game-changer.
UT Health Houston is the first FDA-approved trial using stem cells to treat Parkinsons.
While there are other clinics that claim they can treat patients using stem cells, the types of stem cells and proper dosage have not been well studied.
He snaps his fingers, walks, exercises, and said hes regained a tremendous amount of movement and stability.
You have to beat this disease back every day, Young said about his motivation to regularly exercise. I think that my fellow fighters, my fellow suffers need to understand that their life has changed and if you want to beat this thing, you just have to fight it every single day. You cant ever give up.
In the trial, led by Dr. Mya Schiess, some Parkinsons patients are injected with stem cells from a healthy adults bone marrow. Then they are followed for a year.
Dr. Schiess said theyve seen incredible improvements in daily functions.
Young believes the injection he received has relieved him of symptoms, including a bonus of healing his knee pain moments after the stem cell transplant.
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Parkinsons Disease Atypical And Secondary Parkinsonism
- More severe tremors in both hands
- A slowing of movement
- Dragging the feet
- Difficulty in writing
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- Medications can trigger the condition, including from amphetamines, calcium channel blockers and drugs used to treat nausea and major psychiatric disorders like psychosis
- Repeated head trauma
- Some neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy
- Exposure to toxins like carbon monoxide, cyanide and organic solvents
- Some brain lesions or tumors
- Metabolic disorders such as chronic liver failure and hypoparathyroidism
- Lewy body dementia
Diagnosing Parkinsons Disease Treating Parkinsons Disease
- The combination of carbidopa and levodopa is used to introduce more dopamine to the brain.
- Dopamine agonists mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain.
- MAO-B inhibitors prevent the breakdown of brain dopamine.
- Catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors prolong the effect of levodopa therapy.
- Oral medication, such as Botox®
- Deep brain stimulation
- Intrathecal administration of baclofen
How Can Medical Marijuana Treat The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
The anti-inflammatory properties that the cannabinoids and tetrahydrocannabinol in medical marijuana contain can help reduce the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Many Parkinsons disease patients who use medical marijuana report improved sleep quality, physical function, and pain reduction.
Dr. Camp may recommend medical marijuana if you frequently experience:
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Neurology Specialists Located In Pasadena Tx & Pearland Tx
Parkinson’s disease can be a long journey involving loss of physical function and cognitive decline, but expert treatment can slow down its progress. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, Houston Neurological Institute in Pasadena and Pearland, Texas, can help. The expert physicians can determine whether you have Parkinson’s and how advanced it is, then use cutting-edge treatments such as deep brain stimulation to treat the symptoms. Find out how you could benefit from their expertise by calling the Houston Neurological Institute office closest to you or book an appointment online today.
Movement Disorder Treatment A Convenient Flight From Houston Tx
The Mayo Clinic Defines Movement Disorders as:
The term movement disorders refers to a group of nervous system conditions that cause abnormal increased movements, which may be voluntary or involuntary. Movement disorders can also cause reduced or slow movements.
Common types of movement disorders include: Citation
Ataxia. This movement disorder affects the part of the brain that controls coordinated movement . Ataxia may cause uncoordinated or clumsy balance, speech or limb movements, and other symptoms. Ataxia signs and symptoms are often confused with signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease
Cervical dystonia. This condition causes long-lasting contractions or intermittent contractions of the neck muscles, causing the neck to turn in different ways.
Chorea. Chorea is characterized by repetitive, brief, irregular, somewhat rapid, involuntary movements that typically involve the face, mouth, trunk and limbs.
Huntingtons disease. This is an inherited progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that causes uncontrolled movements , impaired cognitive abilities and psychiatric conditions. Some signs of huntingtons mimic signs of Parkinsons.
Multiple system atrophy. This uncommon, progressive neurological disorder affects many brain systems. Multiple system atrophy causes a movement disorder, such as ataxia or Parkinsonism. It can also cause low blood pressure and impaired bladder function.
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