Sunday, March 24, 2024
Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeCureWho Is The Best Parkinson Doctor

Who Is The Best Parkinson Doctor

What Is Parkinsons Disease

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Guide Books – Dr. Eric Ahlskog

Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It may affect your movement. If you are in the early stage of the disease, you have reduced or absent facial expression, and your speech becomes slurred. As the condition progresses, you experience any severe symptoms such as difficulty in balancing, coordination, and walking. You may also have memory problems, depression, sleep disorders, and fatigue. In the absence of any treatment, your quality of life is significantly reduced.

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.

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.

You May Like: What To Buy Someone With Parkinson’s

Sarah Rahal Md Is A Double Board

He works in Nashville TN and specializes in Internal Medicine. Find the best doctors for treating Parkinsons Disease in Indianapolis. SevenHills Hospital located in Bombay Mumbai India offers patients Parkinsons Disease Treatment procedures among its total of 687 available procedures across 22 different specialties. Bounds graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in 1981. Book an appointment today. Sarah Rahal MD is a double board-certified adult and pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist.

Look For A Parkinsons Specialist

How Doctors Diagnose Parkinson

Both general neurologists and movement disorders specialists care for people living with Parkinsons. It takes about 12 years in the U.S. to become a general neurologist a doctor who works with brain and central nervous system conditions. This includes a four-year undergraduate college degree, four years in medical school and three to four more years of specialized training in a neurology residency. General neurologists typically work in a hospital, or private or group practice. Some neurologists treat many people with Parkinsons and are knowledgeable about the disease. However, most neurologists have diverse practices, of which PD represents only a small percent.

Most movement disorders specialists are neurologists who have completed another one or two years of movement disorders training, a neurology sub-specialty. Movement disorders specialists may see patients in a private practice or at university medical centers. They often perform;clinical;or basic science research in addition to caring for patients. They may also teach doctors who are becoming specialists.People with Parkinsons may constitute 50 percent or more of a specialists practice. With this level of experience, a movement disorders specialist will be more familiar with the range of available Parkinsons medications, how they work and possible;side effects. A movement disorders specialist is also more likely to discuss the role of;clinical trials.

You May Like: Abnormally Small Handwriting

Finding The Right Doctor For You

Even the most qualified doctor might not be right for you. You will probably see this doctor at least every few months once you start working together. You will see each other more often if you have problems. You need to feel comfortable with the doctor.

Dont be afraid to interview your doctor before you make your choice. Here are points to consider:

  • Do you feel your doctor listens to you and lets you take an active role in your care?
  • Is your doctor available when needed?;
  • How easy is it to contact your doctor?;
  • How long does it take for the doctor to call back?
  • Does the doctor have a good support system to cover you when he or she is not available?

Bwh: Comprehensive Treatment For Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

The Movement Disorder Program at BWH provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, tremor, and dystonia . The Program’s team of physicians, nurses, and researchers is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. The Program is a collaboration between BWH and Massachusetts General Hospital working with the national Parkinson Study Group. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, the Program provides comprehensive care for patients with other movement disorders such as Tourette syndrome, tremor, and dystonia .

Read Also: Parkinson’s Ribbon Color

What To Ask During The First Visit

Prepare a list of questions to help you better understand the doctors expertise and your treatment options. You likely will not be able to discuss them all in one visit. You may have more specific questions once you have a treatment plan. Questions you may want to start with include:

  • How many people with Parkinsons do you treat?
  • Do I need other tests to confirm my PD diagnosis or rule out other disorders that may present similar symptoms?
  • What PD treatment options do you suggest?
  • How do my other health conditions and medications affect my PD and how I treat it?
  • Do you know of any clinical studies that might be right for me to take part in?
  • Are you aware of any new PD research and treatments?
  • Are there lifestyle changes that can improve my PD symptoms?
  • If you are not available for me to contact you between visits, who may I communicate with and how?
  • Should I get a second opinion? Do you have any suggestions of doctors for me to contact?;

Support For People With Parkinson’s Disease

Do You Have The Right Parkinson’s Doctor?

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.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Difference Between Huntington’s Disease And Parkinson’s Disease

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.

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:

You May Like: Warning Signs Of Parkinsons

Choose A Neurologist Who Specializes In Movement Disorders

Your first task is to find a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders . You need someone who can tell you what to anticipate and who can put you in touch with the best resources and treatment options available. This neurologist will know when to start medications and when to adjust the dosages of those medications to achieve maximum benefit and so forth. So how do you find such a specialist?

First, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a Parkinson’s specialist. Your primary care doctor will certainly be able to point you in the right direction.

You can also find a local support group for Parkinson’s patients and ask those individuals for recommendations on specialists. You can get information on local support groups as well as local specialists from the local or regional chapters of a national Parkinson’s disease organization. If you can’t find a support group in your community, check out the online support communities for people with Parkinson’s disease who live in your area. You may even be able to get an idea of a neurologist who would meld well with your own personality by asking questions and hearing others talk about their experiences.

General Strategies For Getting The Most Out Of Your Care Team

How Doctors Diagnose Parkinson

It’s important to be an active partner in your care. Try to resist adopting the role of a passive patient who just follows the orders of the doctors. Ask questions. But ask them in a cordial way in order to learn. Ask questions so that you can maximize the benefits of any treatment you undergo. Try also to avoid the opposite danger of asking too many questions and of taking over the role of doctor yourself. You will have to learn to accept the care of others. Let them do their job. Learn from them. Partner with them. If you can establish this kind of partnership with your care team you and your family will find it easier to cope with all the challenges that PD will throw at you over the years.

Also Check: Parkinson’s Disease Hereditary

Working With Your Care Team

Once you have chosen members of your care team how can you best interact with them? You and your team want the same thing: They want to give you the best possible care they can and you want to receive the best care available. Why then do so many persons with PD not get the best possible care available? One reason is that communication between patient and care team breaks down.

How can you keep the communication lines between you and your healthcare team open? Here are a few tips.

For every visit to a health professional try to have the following information written down so that you can hand it over to the secretary instead of having to repeat it ad infinitum:

  • Your name
  • Insurance information and member number
  • Date of birth; social security number
  • Current medications, including over the counter medications and any nutritional supplements you use, the dose you take, and the purpose of the medication
  • Known allergies or adverse reactions to medications or common medical equipment
  • Current health problems and dates of onset

Don’t forget that medication errors are all too common. You should learn a few ideas to reduce the chance of a medication error.

Diagnosis Of Parkinsons Disease

The movement disorder specialists at Mount Sinai are expert in diagnosing and treating Parkinsons disease. There is no one test that diagnoses Parkinsons disease. Instead, we conduct;a comprehensive history of symptoms and a detailed neurologic examination. After we confirm;the diagnosis, we develop;a comprehensive treatment plan, personalized to your needs.

Our neurosychologists and neuropsychiatrists evaluate patients who are being considered for certain medications or treatments , provide support and counseling, and oversee treatments and strategies for dealing with mood, memory, or other challenges.;

Recommended Reading: Life Expectancy Of Parkinson’s

Best Neurologists In Sudbury On

Expert recommended Top 3 Neurologists in Sudbury, ON. All of our neurologists actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence. You deserve only the best!

DR. SALIL KUMAR GUPTA

2009 Long Lake Road, Unit 302A, Sudbury, ON P3E 6C3 Directions

Since 1979

Heres The Deal: Dr. Salil Kumar Gupta is one of the leading neurologists who finished his medical education at Rajasthan University in 1979. He is renowned for offering first-class treatment for general neurological Disorders. Dr. Salil has a special interest in delivering brain injury and seizures treatments. Dr. Salil Kumar Gupta always cares about his patients that helps them to restore their health, and guides them to recover from their illness through effective medication. Dr. Salil takes the time to listen and answer the patient’s questions. He cares and really strives to help patient’s conditions.

SPECIALTY:Chronic Pain, Spasticity, Muscular Dystrophy, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Ataxia, Stroke, Cerebral Aneurysm & Multiple Sclerosis

License #88667

2009 Long Lake Road, Suite 410, Sudbury, ON P3E 6C3 Directions

Since 1993

SPECIALTY:Paralysis, Headache, Post Stroke, Cerebral and Bell’s Palsy, Epilepsy, Ataxia, Athetosis, Parkinson Disease, Dystonia, Movement & Inherited Neurological Disorders

License #79348

41 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1 Directions

Since 2003

Movement Disorders Centers Of Excellence At Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Parkinson: Patrick Troughton Interview

The Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital provides innovative, multidisciplinary care for patients and families affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

The Center’s care team works to promote health, education and support for patients. It also supports caregivers, family members, healthcare providers and the community. The Center also conducts pre-clinical and clinical research in order to extend the knowledge and treatment of movement disorders.

Read Also: Mannitol For Parkinson’s

Review Your Treatment Plan

Besides these basic questions, the most important way to choose the neurologist you will work with is by listening to the treatment plan she puts together for you. Does it make sense? Does your doctor discuss it with you after considering your personal needs, goals, and symptoms? Does she mention that the treatment plan needs to be flexible and be re-evaluated over time? Does she try to integrate the plan into your everyday life and needs?

You need to use your common sense when choosing a Parkinson’s disease neurologist/specialist. You cannot doctor yourself. You need to trust at some point that this highly trained specialist knows what he or she is doing.

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed

A doctor who suspects that a patient might have Parkinsons disease will ask for a medical history and perform a few movement tests to check for tremors and muscle stiffness. Since Parkinsons can also be confused with other parkinsonisms, which are conditions that look like Parkinson’s disease , it’s beneficial for patients to receive a diagnosis from a specialized clinic like the Yale Medicine Movement Disorders Program.

In cases where a diagnosis is difficulta test called DaTscan can be used to confirm a diagnosis.;has been proven to diagnose parkinsonism. DaTscan is;an injection composed of small amounts of radioactive dye to mark dopamine receptors in the brain.;Once administered, doctors can use an imaging device called a single-photon emission computed tomography , to identify reduced dopamine levels in the braina clear sign of parkinsonism.

You May Like: What State Has Highest Rate Of Parkinson’s

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Treated

Parkinsons disease is a progressive disease, and patients are sometimes not treated with medication initially, Dr. Tinaz says.;;

Instead, patients are encouraged to participate in physical activity and it’s even better if it is done together with a group. “There has been a lot of evidence that exercise can;help with symptom control and has potential to delay clinical progression of disease,” Dr. Tinaz says. Other lifestyle changes to try first include following a Mediterranean diet, getting enough sleep, and seeking intellectual stimulation.

Once symptoms start interfering with daily life, patients will be prescribed a medication that will help boost levels of dopamine that diminish as nerve cell damage progresses. While there is no cure for Parkinsons disease, these medications have been proven to reduce symptoms.

In some cases, such as for those with severe tremor or frequent off periods, the most effective treatment is a surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation. Here, surgeons implant small electrodes in specific sites in the brain, and a battery under the skin in the chest wall. The battery sends electrical signals to the electrodes, which then block targeted areas of brain activity without damaging healthy tissue.

“I don’t give patients false hope, but I;do tell them they still have agency over this. There are so many things patients can do to improve their quality of life,”;Dr. Tinaz says.;

Effective Care And Advancing Research

The Parkinson

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.

Don’t Miss: Reversing Parkinson’s Disease Naturally

Specialized Neurology And Neurosurgery Services In At Bwh

Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and treatment are administered by the Department of Neurology at BWH, which integrates a diverse array of specialized services for patients with neurological disorders. The BWH Boston neurology campus partners with our community locations at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain and with Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough and South Shore Hospital in Weymouth to offer state-of-the-art facilities and the largest neuroscience intensive care unit in the New England region.

Neurosurgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease is provided by specialists in our world-class BWH Department of Neurosurgery. Our expert Boston neurosurgeons deliver comprehensive neurosurgery treatment through many innovative techniques to improve outcomes for our neurosurgery patients. The Department’s Boston neurosurgery staff of more than 13 clinical faculty and over 100 department members strives to provide patient-focused, world-class medical treatment across the spectrum of neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles