Parkinson's Disease Specialist

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition affecting neurons (cells) in your brain, particularly those that produce a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) called dopamine. 

As the neurons deteriorate and die, dopamine levels fall, affecting how your brain functions and leading to movement impairment and other problems.

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

Movement disorders

Parkinson's disease causes shakes or tremors and affects your balance, resulting in postural instability. You might also experience motion rigidity, where your muscles contract and become stiff, tense, and resistant to movement. You could develop bradykinesia as well, where your movements slow down, affecting your ability to complete simple tasks.

Throat disorders

Patients with Parkinson's disease often develop issues like problems chewing, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and slowed or slurred speech.

Cognitive and emotional problems

Parkinson's disease can affect how clearly you think, your memory, and other cognitive functions, and may develop into dementia. It's also common for people with Parkinson's disease to have depression and undergo emotional changes.

Other symptoms of Parkinson's disease include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and problems with bowel or bladder function.

What treatments help with Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is so far incurable, but Houston Neurological Institute offers several effective therapies that help with common problems like memory issues, fall prevention, controlling tremors, and difficulties walking. Some of the medications the physicians use include:

• Levodopa and carbidopa
• Dopamine agonists
• Anticholinergic medications
• MAO-B (monoamine oxidase B) inhibitors
• COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) inhibitors

The delivery system for these medications is usually oral, but they may be available via intravenous (IV) infusion. Houston Neurological Institute has an IV infusion suite on-site, where you can receive your regular treatments in comfortable surroundings.

Another highly effective therapy for Parkinson's disease is deep brain stimulation.

How does deep brain stimulation help with Parkinson's disease?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) helps treat Parkinson's disease symptoms such as tremor, motion rigidity, walking problems, and bradykinesia, among others. 

The physicians, physician assistants, and nurses at Houston Neurological Institute have undergone special training so they can determine if DBS is an appropriate treatment for you.

When you have DBS at Houston Neurological Institute, your provider attaches an implantable pulse generator (IPG) to your head. The IPG sends electrical signals to certain areas of your brain that help to correct the faulty nerve signals responsible for your symptoms.

The physicians at Houston Neurological Institute specialize in treating Parkinson's disease and serve on the Houston area Parkinson's disease advisory board. They believe in supporting not just the Parkinson's patient but their family, too. Programming sessions take place in a comfortable private room with a TV, and family members are welcome to attend.

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of Parkinson's disease, call Houston Neurological Institute today for further information or book an appointment online.