Board Certified Adult Neurologist & Pain Management Specialist Located In Kissimmee Fl
Parkinsons disease is a progressive movement disorder thats most often diagnosed after the age of 55 but can develop in your thirties and forties. At Neurology & Neuropathic Pain Management, Carlos Feliciano, MD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkisons disease, working closely with each person to develop a customized plan that improves and prolongs their quality of life. If you develop tremors or muscle stiffness, call the office in Kissimmee, Florida, or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment.
What Is A Movement Disorder
Movement disorders are complex neurological conditions that cause involuntary or abnormal movements or affect your ability to control movements. Most movement disorders cant be cured, but we can treat your symptoms to improve your quality of life.
We offer expert diagnosis and treatment of:
- Parkinson disease
- Wilsons disease
Tourette Association Of America Center Of Excellence
Kids and adults living with Tic and Tourette syndrome need an interdisciplinary environment for treatment, and also an opportunity to participate in cutting edge research. The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health and the UF Center for OCD, Anxiety and Related Disorders have come together to provide that environment.
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Progressive Supranuclear Palsy & Atypical Parkinsonism Center Of Care Clinic
In response to a critical need for care and research in this area our group decided in 2010 to pull together existing resources and to push forward toward a Center of Excellence for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy & Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders. The Center is now recognized as a CurePSP Center of Care.
How Is Parkinsons Disease Treated
Although Parkinsons cant be cured, its symptoms can often be dramatically controlled with medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Parkinsons medications increase or substitute for dopamine, which helps manage tremors, restore movement control, and help patients walk normally.
As time goes on, the effects of these medications may decline or become less consistent. When that happens, deep brain stimulation or another surgical option may be the best way to alleviate symptoms.
Advanced Therapie include long acting medications, injetable medicines, dopamine gel infused through the stomach via a pump and Deep Brain Stimulation.
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Adult Neurology & Epilepsy Specialist Located In Coral Gables Coconut Grove Miami Fl
Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. At Gables Neurology in Miami, Florida, Andrew Lerman, MD, and the team take a proactive approach to the treatment of Parkinsons disease. They utilize the newest and most effective medications to slow down the progression of the disease. For comprehensive care from a compassionate team, call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.
Welcome To Theparkinsons Disease & Movement Disorders Parkinsons Foundation Center Of Excellence
Our Center is dedicated to providing expert evaluationand care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disordersincluding:
- Parkinsons Disease
- Essential Tremor
- Restless Leg Syndrome
We have been recognized as a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence. OurCenter fosters a multi-disciplinary team approach to providethe highest quality of care. Our core team membersinclude:
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Staff and administrative support
Themission of our Center is to advancepatient care and researchin Parkinson’s diseaseand other movement disorders. The Centeremphasizes clinical research,testing new medicaland surgical treatment options. We utilize this knowledge to provide cuttingedge care to patients, to serve as an international leader inthe advancement of disease management, and to educatestudents, residents, and other physicians.
The motto of our Center is: “Hope throughresearch.” Numerous clinical trials are conducted at the Center as we continually strive to develop better treatments. We are a Parkinson Study Group and an NIH Neuroprotective Exploratory Trials site.Developing medications to slow or stop the progression of disease is a top priority. Patients seen at our Center may be offered an opportunity to participate in clinical trials and we’d be happy todiscuss ongoing trials by phone.
Tomake an appointment please call: 396-0751
For more information regarding clinical researchplease call: 396-0768
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Characteristics Of Parkinsons Disease
The four Cardinal signs of Parkinsons Disease include:
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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Components Of The Dbs System
Electrodes/Leads: this is the receptor of the electrical impulses. One or two electrodes can be implanted into the brain. Each electrode is placed within areas of the brain that control motor functions such as the Thalamus and Globus Pallidus. Specifically, the electrode is inserted into the subthalamic nucleus or internal globus pallidus
IPG : this is a neurostimulator . It will be placed under your skin, near your collarbone. There are a variety of IPGs on the market including rechargeable and non rechargeable stimulators.
Extension Wire: This is a wire that runs underneath the skin, connecting and transmitting the signal from the IPG to the electrodes.
DBS Placement in the Brain – Side View
DBS Placement in the Brain – Front View
DBS enables brain activity to be controlled. It does this by sending electrical signals to areas of the brain that control motor functions to obstruct the neural circuitry that is causing tremors and other PD symptoms.
Specifically, the electric signals stimulate the brain to release more adenosine triphosphate which is a chemical that provides energy for many cellular functions such as the transmission of neural messages. When ATP is released it activates the A1 receptor triggers. This inhibits the production of excitatory synaptic activity in the thalamus and other areas of the brain that transmit motor signals which reduces tremors and other symptoms.
What We Treat In South Florida
The specialists at The Pauline Braathen Neurological Center provide high quality care and treatment for complex neurological conditions. Using a multidisciplinary approach that brings together a team of specialists, we offer medical management and innovative surgical options for patients diagnosed with a variety of movement disorders including:
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What Makes Our Parkinsons Center Of Excellence Unique
The University of Florida Health PF Center of Excellence is under the leadership of Irene Malaty, M.D. The independent reviewers and PF staff cited UF as one of the leading centers in the COE network stating that the UF Center was among one of the truly interdisciplinary clinical-research enterprises in the entire network. UF has been cited as, a place for other centers to visit, to see how well care and research can be delivered.
With the support of the Parkinson Foundation and the designation as a Center of Excellence, plus other foundation, federal, pharmaceutical, and philanthropic support, we have grown our team to include support from the University of Florida including the
- McKnight Brain Institute
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease
- Neurology
- Epidemiology and Health Policy Research
- Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
Words From Our Patients
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“I had an EMG test done at Doctor Reddy’s office. The process was very simple and hardly took any much time.”
Henry M.
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“Dr. Reddy is an extremely professional and accurate physician. Being in the medical field myself, I can certainly recognize quality skills in other practitioners.”
David A.
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” I have been dealing with nerve degredation in my right foot for the past couple of year. I have been seeing Dr. Reddy ever since and he is very helpful.”
Nancy B.
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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.
Getting To A Movement Disorder Specialist
If you live in a rural area or have difficulty traveling, it may be challenging to find or visit a movement disorder specialist. One option might be to travel to see a movement disorder specialist once or twice a year and follow up with a local general neurologist or primary care doctor more frequently. Any time spent with a specialist may be helpful.
Technology, too, may help. Some hospitals and services can connect you with a Parkinson’s specialist without you having to leave your home. Parkinson’s Disease Care New York, for example, offers people in the state of New York video calls through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a movement disorder specialist, a neurologist or a Parkinson’s-trained nurse at no cost. Ask your doctor or support group about telemedicine opportunities.
Be Part of the Answer
You have the power to impact your future and the future of millions living with Parkinson’s disease. Explore clinical research participation today.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Although the signs of Parkinsons vary from person-to-person, the disorder has four key motor symptoms, including:
- Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, or jaw
- Muscle rigidity or stiffness in the arms, legs, or trunk
- Bradykinesia, or slowness of movement
- Postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination
Patients with Parkinsons disease may also be affected by a range of other symptoms, such as:
- Severe fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Chronic pain
- Constipation or urinary problems
What To Expect From The Doctor
At your first visit, a PD specialist will take a thorough medical history and also ask about your family medical history and symptoms. He or she will conduct a physical examination and a neurological exam. The doctor will ask you to sit, stand and walk to observe your balance and coordination. The doctor may also order a brain imaging test to rule out other conditions.
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Living With Parkinsons Disease
As well as managing symptoms and exercising, there are other things you can do to improve your quality of life and make living with Parkinsons disease a little easier. These include:
Join a support group: Whether you are a caregiver or a sufferer, joining a support group can help you get in touch with other people who are living with Parkinsons, so you wont feel so isolated. There are many helpful organizations out there including:
Maintain emotional wellbeing: Counseling sessions for an individual or group of family members can make it easy to deal with the anxiety of living with Parkinsons and alleviate stress.
Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can help make your home a safe place for living with Parkinsons.
References
National Institutes of Health “Parkinson disease” Novemebr 2019. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/parkinson-disease#inheritance
Allison Wright Willis Bradley A. Evanoff Min Lian Susan R. Criswell Brad A. Racettea “Geographic and Ethnic Variation in Parkinson Disease: A Population-Based Study of US Medicare Beneficiaries” National Center for Biotechnology Information , January 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2865395/
S. J. Groiss L. Wojtecki M. Südmeyer A. Schnitzler “Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease” National Center for Biotechnology Information , November 2009. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002606/
What Are The Treatment Options For Movement Disorders
The first step in treating a movement disorder is determining your exact diagnosis. Our movement disorder specialists will look at your brain function, nerves, strength, coordination, sensation and reflexes to find the cause of your symptoms.
Your care team will study your diagnosis and work with you to determine which treatment options are right for you. We provide the latest treatments, including:
- Deep brain stimulation
- Physical therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
First of all, I would say thank you and Id like to encourage people that might be suffering from this situation please go check it out, says Mr. Rodriguez. Its not painful at all. And, believe me, youre going to know the difference its like youre feeling brand new again
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How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed
Parkinsons Disease is typically diagnosed by a neurologist, which is a medical doctor who specializes in neurological disorders. There isnt a specific test that neurologists can use to confirm whether a patient has Parkinsons disease, so they rely on multiple sources of information. A neurologist will ask about a patients symptoms, perform an exam, and possibly order tests when diagnosing a patient. The tests they might order include MRIs, ultrasounds of the brain, and PET and SPECT scans.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition characterized by degeneration of brain cells which leads to a deficiency of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine is a substance used in the brain to carry impulses that allow one cell to communicate with another. When dopamine levels drop, motor skills, speech, and other functions are impaired.
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What Is Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation uses electrical stimulation in the brain to help control abnormal body movements. The specialists at Miami Neuroscience Institute are pioneers of DBS treatment and will work closely with you every step of the way.
During DBS surgery, a neurosurgeon places an electrode in the area of the brain thats causing abnormal movement and tests it while you are awake to see if it successfully controls your symptoms. A small device that generates electrical pulses along a thin wire is then placed under your skin near your collarbone. The surgical team uses imaging technology to feed the wire through the skin to the electrode in the brain. The device will control the electrical impulses sent to your brain and can be adjusted to deliver more or less stimulation if your symptoms change.
DBS is a minimally invasive procedure that takes approximately four to six hours. An overnight stay in the hospital is rarely needed. After surgery, your symptoms should immediately improve, and you may be able to reduce the number of medicines you take to control symptoms.
Parkinsons Doctor St Petersburg Parkinsons Treatment St Pete
Dr. Harish Patel, M.D. has over 25 years experience in helping patients with Parkinsons.Our compassionate team is located right in the heart of Pinellas County.Were here to help you with what you are going through, contact us today.
Compassionate Care, Professional Staff and 25+ Years Experience Serving all of Tampa Bay
Parkinsons disease is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The symptoms generally come on slowly over time. Early in the disease, the most obvious are shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty walking. Thinking and behavioral problems may also occur.
Dementia becomes common in the advanced stages of the disease. Depression and anxiety are also common, occurring in more than a third of people with PD. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep, and emotional problems. The main motor symptoms are collectively called parkinsonism, or a parkinsonian syndrome.
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Find A Parkinsons Expert
Finding a doctor who is an expert in Parkinsons disease can help you get the best possible care. Look for a neurologist, a doctor who works with brain and central nervous system conditions such as Parkinsons. When possible, a movement disorder specialist a neurologist with additional training to treat people with Parkinsons at every stage of the disease can be a key addition to a quality care team.
Neurologists with Parkinsons expertise and movement disorder specialists can often recommend other healthcare professionals who can help treat day-to-day challenges. A holistic, team-based care approach can help you live well with PD.
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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