Finding Other Parkinson’s Caregivers
Your neurologist will be your main caregiver for Parkinson’s. But other doctors and therapists will also be important. For instance, you might also see a specialist in internal medicine or geriatrics , a doctor who specializes in treating elderly patients.;
Other caregivers you may see include:
- Speech pathologist: This person can help you use your voice better and improve your speech. Speech pathologists also treat swallowing problems that are common with Parkinson’s.
- Physical therapist: This caregiver can help you maintain muscle strength and stay flexible. Physical therapy also can help relieve pain, improve balance, and prevent falls. You may work with this therapist at a physical therapy center and continue therapy on your own at home.
- Occupational therapist: This therapist can help you remain independent at work and at home. You may learn safer and easier ways to dress, bathe, use devices, and move around your environment.
Consider The Age And Time Factor
Doctors also keep in mind other factors when diagnosing Parkinson’s. For instance:
- The disease is not common in people younger than 50.
- Diagnosing Parkinson’s can be tricky and may take time.
- Other diseases can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor will try to rule out other diseases that mimic Parkinson’s such as .;
Tests To Rule Out Other Conditions
Blood tests can help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, such as abnormal thyroid hormone levels or liver damage.
An MRI or CT scan can check for signs of a stroke or brain tumor, which may cause similar symptoms.
Hydrocephalus due to atrophy can occur with some types of dementia and would be visible with one of these imaging tests. If the person has neurologic symptoms but a normal scan result, Parkinsons disease may be present.
The doctor a lumbar puncture to rule out inflammation or a brain infection.
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The First Doctor You Would See Is A Primary Care Or Emergency Room Doctor To Confirm The Findings Of Blood In The Stool
What kind of doctor do i need outlines types dan specialties of doctors. A typical day and week in my practice: Additional training in the branches of pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, surgery, and ob/gyn are of. I am trying to find out what kind of doctor to see my step dad had a stroke and it affected one hole side and he has to stay near a bathroom because he has no control with his bowls he needs thearpy but we don. The first doctor you would see is a primary care or emergency room doctor to confirm the findings of blood in the stool. Neurologists are doctors who take care of patients with medical conditions that affect the brain, spine, or nerves. Be aware that a comprehensive assessment is a lengthy, structured interview that may take more than one session.it should cover a persons drinking, other substance use. They are highly trained to provide full assessments, treatment plans, and medications for alcohol problems. What you can do to prepare for your appointment, make a list of: Evidence compiled by a university of michigan team suggests that primary care physicians and their teams of nurses, medical assistants, social workers and pharmacists can, beyond providing basic services, also provide effective addiction care. Antibiotics medicine that kills bacteria and cures fight cancer, depression, addiction, alcoholism. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone strength. Your doctor might refer you to any of the following mental health professionals:
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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How It All Fits Together
Diagnosing Parkinsons disease can be tricky. The process relies heavily on your doctors judgment. In addition, the causes and risk factors of Parkinsons are not entirely clear yet, which contributes to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition.
However, there have been efforts to try and detect this disease earlier. For instance, clinicians have started focusing more on prodromal symptoms, which are early symptoms that appear before movement-related difficulties begin.;
These symptoms include:
- Loss of smell, which can sometimes occur years before other symptoms
- Chronic constipation, without any other explanation
- Rapid eye movement behavior disorder, which causes sleep disturbances
My Top 6 Criteria For Choosing A Doctor
Finding the right doctor who meets your needs as a person with Parkinsons disease can be daunting. I have consulted with 11 neurologists, seven of whom were movement disorder specialists , in the five years since my initial diagnosis in 2015.
Following are my top criteria in choosing what I like to refer to as my partner on this Parkinsons journey:
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How Do I Stop Difficulty Swallowing
There isnt anything you can do to prevent having swallowing difficulties. The best way to reduce your risk of occasionally having trouble swallowing is to eat slowly, eat small bites, and chew your food well. In addition, treating acid reflux early can help lower your risk of developing scar tissue in the throat.
Foster A Good Relationship
Lastly, maintaining your relationship and communication with the person with Parkinsonâs can be the most challenging and rewarding aspect of caregiving. As Parkinsonâs disease progresses, the roles change and the person with Parkinsonâs may go from being an independent head of the household to a very dependent person requiring a significant level of care. However, research shows that despite high levels of strain, caregivers with good quality relationships have reduced depression and better physical health. Remember, as a caregiver your service to your loved one is beyond measure in terms of love, depth of care, and concern.
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What Causes Issues With Swallowing
What causes issues with swallowing? Dysphagia is usually caused by another health condition, such as: a condition that affects the nervous system, such as a stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis or dementia. cancer such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer. gastro-oesophageal reflux disease where stomach acid leaks back up into the
When should I be worried about trouble swallowing?;You should see your doctor to determine the cause of your swallowing difficulties. Call a doctor right away if youre also having trouble breathing or think something might be stuck in your throat. If you have sudden muscle weakness or paralysis and cant swallow at all, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
What could cause trouble swallowing?;Certain disorders such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Parkinsons disease can cause dysphagia. Neurological damage. Sudden neurological damage, such as from a stroke or brain or spinal cord injury, can affect your ability to swallow.
What is the most common cause of dysphagia?;Acid reflux disease is the most common cause of dysphagia. People with acid reflux may have problems in the esophagus, such as an ulcer, a stricture , or less likely a cancer causing difficulty swallowing.
Does The Doctor Feel Threatened By My Questions
Self-education in Parkinsons and being current in new treatment options are critical. They help me to formulate intelligent questions and allow me to challenge my doctor about something they might suggest that I dont feel right about. I will not continue with a doctor that gets defensive when I ask them questions, or if a treatment suggestion must be their way or the highway.
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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.
Brain Imaging And Other Tools To Aid Diagnosis Of Parkinsons
In addition to taking a history and performing a detailed neurologic examination, physicians sometimes use brain imaging to help support a particular diagnosis. However, these studies have their limitations in the diagnosis of Parkinsons disease and are typically used only in select patients. Brain imaging is not routinely performed by neurologists or movement disorder specialists when they are considering a diagnosis, especially if the persons symptoms strongly suggest to the physician that idiopathic Parkinsons disease is the correct diagnosis.
Helping diagnose Parkinsons with DaTscan and other tests
Rather, use of imaging is most helpful when the diagnosis is uncertain, or when physicians are looking for changes in the brain that are more typical of one of several Parkinsonian syndromes and other conditions that can mimic Parkinsons. Imaging studies to evaluate Parkinsons disease and Parkinsonian syndromes include magnetic resonance imaging , which examines the structure of the brain, and DaTscan, an imaging test approved by the Food and Drug Administration to detect the dopamine function in the brain. A DaTscan may help differentiate idiopathic Parkinsons disease from certain other neurologic disorders. Most physicians offices will have access to MRI; however, DaTscan imaging may only be available at larger hospitals or medical centers.
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Is Telemedicine An Option
COVID-19 has facilitated the implementation of telemedicine. The fact that insurance will cover these types of visits further enhances this option. This has been a godsend for me and has saved me hours of driving. My movement disorder specialists office is over 80 miles from my home. In addition, my doctors have a much better track record at being on time for my telemedicine appointment compared with in-office visits.
What Are The Complications Of Parkinson Disease
Parkinson disease causes physical symptoms at first. Problems with cognitive function, including forgetfulness and trouble with concentration, may arise later. As the disease gets worse with time, many people develop dementia. This can cause profound memory loss and makes it hard to maintain relationships.
Parkinson disease dementia can cause problems with:
- Speaking and communicating with others
- Problem solving
- Forgetfulness
- Paying attention
If you have Parkinson disease and dementia, in time, you likely wont be able to live by yourself. Dementia affects your ability to care of yourself, even if you can still physically do daily tasks.
Experts dont understand how or why dementia often occurs with Parkinson disease. Its clear, though, that dementia and problems with cognitive function are linked to changes in the brain that cause problems with movement. As with Parkinson disease, dementia occurs when nerve cells degenerate, leading to chemical changes in the brain. Parkinson disease dementia may be treated with medicines also used to treat Alzheimers disease, another type of dementia.
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Imaging And Lab Tests
Your doctor may order some imaging tests and laboratory tests. Imaging tests can include computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Laboratory tests can include blood tests and urine tests.;
While these tests and scans will not help diagnose Parkinsons disease, they can help rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.;
Your doctor may also suggest that you get a dopamine transporter scan . This scan requires a single-photon emission computed tomography scanner. It involves an injection of a small amount of a radioactive drug so that your doctor can study the dopamine systems in your brain .;
While a DaTscan cannot conclusively prove that you have Parkinsons, it can help confirm your doctors diagnosis and eliminate other conditions.;
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 Parkinson’s disease medications, therapies, and research to provide the best care.
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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.
Things You Should Never Say To Someone With Parkinsons Disease
If you have Parkinsons disease or youre a Parkinsons caregiver, you know that the condition affects more than just bodily movements. Its much more than just tremors, stiffness, and the occasional balance problem.
We asked our Living with Parkinsons Disease Facebook community to share some of the most insensitive things people have said about the condition. Here are a few things theyve heard and what they wish theyd heard instead.
Parkinsons is a chronic, degenerative disease. This means that the symptoms get worse over time. Every case is individual, so what your friend looks like or is experiencing may be completely different from a family member suffering with the same disease.
Its impossible to predict where your friend will be a year from now, let alone ten years from now. Motor symptoms are often the first signs of Parkinsons disease. These symptoms include difficulty with balance, trouble walking or standing, and resting tremors. However, these symptoms can be indicators of other conditions too. Because of this, it can take years before someone receives an official diagnosis.
While most people with Parkinsons are diagnosed after the age of 60, the disease can affect anyone over the age of 18. Although theres currently no cure for it, new treatments, medications, and surgeries allow individuals to live a fulfilling and productive life no matter what age theyre diagnosed.
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Do You Need A Specialist
For many, the decision to bring in a medical specialist is determined by one’s health care plan. HMOs require patients to first see a primary care physician, who may then refer them to a specialist. On the other hand, PPO health plans require no referral, allowing patients to choose their own specialist.
Improving Flexibility And Range Of Motion
Improving your flexibility can help you improve your balance and gait, as well as reduce rigidity. Try these exercises:
- Sit in a chair and bend your upper body at the waist to your right and left.
- Get on all fours and turn your upper body to the right and left. Lift your arm on the side youre turning to as you turn.
Also work on lower-body strength training. Strength training can help you improve your balance, walk further distances, and potentially increase your walking speed. Some exercises to try include:
- Leg presses. While sitting down, push a weight away from your body using your legs.
- Squats. Start in an upright position with your legs slightly wider than hip distance. Bend your knees while pushing your glute muscles back, so that your knees dont come over your toes. You can hold onto something if necessary. You dont have to go down more than a few inches.
- Exercise bike. If you have access to a recumbent exercise bike , using the bike can help strengthen your legs.
- Repeatedly sit in and rise out of a chair. Repeating the motions of sitting down and rising helps strengthen your leg and core muscles. It also helps you practice a functional activity.
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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.
Doctors That Help Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA keeps you from getting good, quality sleep that is essential to your physical and mental health and wellness. With OSA, your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, resulting in a decreased oxygen supply to vital organs.;
This usually occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses or narrows and blocks the upper airway. Your brain, sensing an interruption in breathing, momentarily awakens you to reopen your airway and restart breathing.
Discussing symptoms with your doctor so you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life and may even save your life. OSA is tied to a host of chronic health conditions, including underlying coronary disease and cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.
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