Each year, about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Men are nearly twice as likely to develop this disease. Our team works closely with Parkinson’s patients, keeping their symptoms at bay with a variety of treatment plans tailored to the individual.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a movement disorder that occurs when motor nerves degenerate or die, losing their ability to release the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is essential for regulating body movement.

What Are the Symptoms?

There are four primary Parkinson’s symptoms:

Bradykinesia – gradual loss or slowing of movement
Postural instability – loss of or difficulty finding balance
Rigidity – muscles become stiff or inflexible and lose their ability to relax
Tremors – uncontrolled or involuntary shaking while at rest or when activating a muscle

As a progressive disease, Parkinson’s symptoms do not always develop or worsen equally. For example, tremors may begin in one limb and gradually spread throughout the body.

Some patients may also experience an inability to move, changes to their gait, posture or handwriting, difficulty swallowing and cognitive impairment. You may even notice changes in their speech, such as slurring or a monotone cadance.

How Is It Treated?

There are a variety of medications available that work to restore the balance of dopamine in your brain. Your doctor may also employ Deep Brain Stimulation (DST), a surgical procedure that uses an implanted device to send electrical impulses to your brain. This impulses block signals from damaged nerves, lessening your tremors and other symptoms.