Parkinson's Disease Specialist

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects your motor system, which controls movement. This progressive disease usually starts gradually, sometimes with a mild hand tremor that’s hardly noticeable. As symptoms worsen, you may have difficulty walking, talking, and completing daily tasks.  

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but the team at Arizona Neurology Care offers a wide range of treatment options to manage your symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be different for each person. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Tremor that usually begins in the hand or fingers
• Slowed movement that can make tasks time-consuming
• Difficulty balancing and maintaining good posture
• Muscle rigidity and stiffness that may be painful
• Loss of automatic movements like blinking and smiling
• Speech changes, including speaking slowly or with a monotone voice
• Mood changes, including depression
• Difficulty writing

Symptoms usually begin on one side of your body and remain worse on that side, even after symptoms affect both sides. 

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the dopamine-producing cells in your brain. Declining levels of dopamine cause abnormal brain activity that leads to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

Who gets Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease mostly affects adults aged 60 and older. Only about 4% of people with the disease have a diagnosis by age 50. Men are about 1.5 times more likely to get Parkinson’s than women.

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

First, Dr. Seif-Eddeine at Arizona Neurology Care reviews your symptoms and medical history. He then performs a physical and neurological exam, which could include computerized tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These tests can rule out other conditions.

There’s no specific test for Parkinson’s disease, but Dr. Seif-Eddeine may give you a medication that helps your brain make dopamine. If you show significant improvement after taking the medication, it confirms your diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. 

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Many medications can help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The expert team at Arizona Neurology Care works with you to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs. 

In addition to medication, they may also recommend physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy.  For comprehensive care of Parkinson’s disease, call Arizona Neurology Care, or book an appointment online today.