Comprehensive Care for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and coordination difficulties. At Dr. Srikanth Neuro in Hyderabad, we provide specialized care to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease typically develops after age 50 and is one of the most common neurological disorders in older adults. It occurs when dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain are gradually destroyed, leading to impaired muscle function. Symptoms may start subtly but worsen over time, impacting daily activities and mobility.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Symptoms can affect one or both sides of the body and may include:
- Tremors, often starting in one hand or limb.
- Slow blinking or tremors involving half of the body.
- Constipation.
- Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling.
- Problems with balance and walking.
- Fixed facial expression (mask-like appearance).
- Coordination and balance issues, leading to dropping objects or falls.
- Loss of sense of smell.
- Gait changes, such as shuffling or leaning forward while walking.
- Voice tremors or a softer voice.
- Cramped or smaller handwriting.
- Sleep disturbances due to restless legs or other factors.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is essential for coordinating muscle movements, and its depletion leads to motor symptoms. The exact cause of this neuronal loss is unknown, but factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition in some cases.
- Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.
- Age-related degeneration of brain cells.
Diagnostic Services
At Dr. Srikanth Neuro, we use advanced diagnostic tools to confirm Parkinson’s disease and rule out other conditions:
- Comprehensive Medical History and Neurological Examination: Assessing symptoms, movement, and coordination to identify Parkinson’s-specific patterns.
- Neuroimaging (MRI/CT Scans): To exclude other causes of symptoms, such as stroke or tumors.
- Dopamine Transporter (DAT) Scan: To evaluate dopamine levels in the brain.
- Clinical Trials and Response to Medication: Monitoring symptom improvement with dopamine-enhancing drugs to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Our specialists create personalized treatment plans to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life:
- Medications: Dopamine agonists, levodopa, and other drugs to manage motor symptoms and improve function.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve mobility, balance, and strength.
- Occupational Therapy: Strategies to adapt daily activities and maintain independence.
- Speech Therapy: Techniques to address voice changes and swallowing difficulties.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): A surgical option for advanced cases to reduce symptoms by stimulating specific brain areas.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations for exercise, diet, and stress management to support overall health.
Why Choose Dr. Srikanth Neuro?
Our Parkinson’s disease program is designed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care:
- Expert Team: Led by Dr. Srikanth, our neurologists and movement disorder specialists are experienced in Parkinson’s care.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to long-term management, we offer tailored treatment plans.
- Advanced Technology: Cutting-edge diagnostic tools and therapeutic options for optimal outcomes.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize patient comfort and well-being, fostering a supportive environment.