Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes movements like shaking and tremors that aren’t in your control. Currently, there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease. But Randi Baculi, MD, and Sanam Zaidi, PA-C, at RHBNeuro in Dallas, Texas, provide the latest advances in treatment to control its symptoms. Call the RHBNeuro office or schedule a consultation online for help with your Parkinson’s disease.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that affects muscle control and motor movement. The disease occurs from dysfunction or death of the nerve cells in the basal ganglia (the part of the brain that controls movement).

These nerve cells make dopamine, a brain chemical that supports communication between brain cells. Impairment or death of these nerve cells lowers dopamine levels in the brain, affecting movement and muscle control.

Anyone can develop Parkinson’s disease. But your risk increases as you get older. 

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Loss of muscle control is the most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. As researchers learn more, they believe the brain disorder might also cause nonmotor symptoms.

Muscle-related symptoms

Muscle-related symptoms, also called motor-related symptoms, include slowed movement (bradykinesia), tremors, stiffness, and poor balance when walking. Other motor symptoms include decreased blinking, changed handwriting, and difficulty swallowing.

Nonmotor symptoms

Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include problems with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This system controls unconscious body functions like blood pressure and digestion. This might consist of changes in blood pressure or digestive problems like constipation. These symptoms continue to be a focus of Parkinson’s research.

Depression, loss of sense of smell (anosmia), and problems sleeping are other nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

What can I expect during a Parkinson’s disease consultation?

You can expect a compassionate and thorough exam when you visit RHBNeuro for a Parkinson’s disease consultation. The board-certified neurologist reviews your symptoms and your personal and family medical histories and does physical and neurological exams.

RHBNeuro uses advanced diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

RHBNeuro uses the latest treatment advances for Parkinson’s disease. Treatment includes medication to address the disease itself and medication to control symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease-specific treatments are drugs that affect dopamine production, including ones that raise production or reduce the breakdown of this essential brain chemical.

RHBNeuro personalizes symptom treatment for Parkinson’s disease to address specific symptoms, like antidepressants for depression or medication to improve constipation.

In some cases, the team will recommend deep brain stimulation using an implanted device that delivers a mild electrical pulse to the damaged areas of the brain, reducing symptoms.

Call RHBNeuro or schedule an appointment online to get the most up-to-date care for Parkinson’s disease.