Parkinson's disease

The specific causes of Parkinson’s disease are largely unknown. Some scientists and researchers suggest that genetics, the environment or both could play a role. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease, such as:

• Age — A diagnosis is usually made in people 50 years old and older, but onset can be anywhere from 35 to 85 years old.
• Gender — Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease.
• Genetics — For people diagnosed before 50 years old, most have abnormal genes that tend to run in their families. For those diagnosed after 60 years old, the role of genetics is unclear.

Although there are no laboratory tests for this disease, there are several things doctors look for when making a diagnosis. They will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Our movement specialists will also look for the presence of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

However, because everyone may not show the common symptoms, a neurological exam may be ordered to allow us to observe and evaluate you more closely. If a diagnosis is still unclear, other tests may be conducted, including medical imaging exams.

Our movement disorder specialists combine leading-edge technology and research with extensive expertise to craft a custom plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Noninvasive focused ultrasound treatment

We offer a highly specialized and advanced treatment for essential tremor and Parkinson's disease that doesn't require surgery: Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (FUS or MRgFUS). This typically same-day treatment is not surgery, but, instead, uses MR imaging to target and treat the anomalies in the brain causing tremors. This can provide you with quick, effective symptom relief.

Other nonsurgical treatments

Although FUS is an excellent option to treat tremors associated with Parkinson's disease, there is ultimately not a cure, so the primary treatment options usually involve symptom management. This is typically in the form of medications that increase dopamine. However, most treatment plans include a combination of various factors, depending on the severity of your condition.

Lifestyle changes

Specific lifestyle changes vary depending on your needs, goals, symptoms and current lifestyle. Some recommended changes may include more rest, diet changes, exercise, stress and depression management, as well as home safety modifications.

Medication

Medications that help relieve Parkinson’s disease symptoms involve either increasing the amount of dopamine or activating the dopamine receptors. Carbidopa and levodopa are typically the most effective in this category.

Speech therapy

If the disease is affecting your ability to speak, including being able to speak loud enough to be heard, then speech therapy may help.

Neurosurgical procedures

While surgery is not always used in Parkinson's disease treatment, typically, if it is, it involves deep brain stimulation (DBS), a form of neurostimulation.

In DBS, electrodes are placed in different areas of the brain, where electrical impulses can result in symptom reduction. This procedure is less invasive than other surgical options, may be reversible if necessary and is adjustable to help meet the specific needs of the patient. However, every surgical procedure involves risks and should be discussed with your neurologist.