Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement. Parkinson’s disease symptoms develop gradually over time, and they can vary significantly from person to person. While many people associate the condition with a tremor, it can also manifest in other ways, affecting a person’s balance, coordination, and daily activities. A timely diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan can help manage these symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Key Parkinson’s disease symptoms
The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are motor-related. They include:
- Tremor: An involuntary shaking, which often starts in one limb, typically in a hand or finger. This tremor is most noticeable when the hand is at rest.
- Bradykinesia: A slowness of movement, which can make simple tasks like walking or getting dressed feel difficult and time-consuming.
- Rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs or trunk. The muscles become stiff, limiting a person’s range of motion and sometimes causing pain.
- Postural instability: This can lead to problems with balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
In addition to these motor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease also has non-motor symptoms, such as a loss of smell, sleep problems, depression, and cognitive changes.
Treatment options
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, a range of treatments can help manage symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. A neurologist will tailor a treatment plan based on a person’s symptoms, age, and general health.
- Medication: Doctors can prescribe medicines to help with the primary motor symptoms. These drugs work by increasing or replacing dopamine, a brain chemical that diminishes in people with Parkinson’s.
- Therapies: Physical therapy can help with mobility, balance, and flexibility. Occupational therapy can help a person with daily tasks, and speech therapy can help with speaking and swallowing difficulties.
- Surgical treatments: For some people with advanced Parkinson’s, a doctor may recommend surgical options. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to send electrical impulses that can help control some motor symptoms.
Expert care with Dr Dominic Paviour
Receiving a diagnosis and starting a treatment plan requires the expertise of a specialist. Dr Dominic Paviour is a consultant neurologist with a special interest in movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. He is also the clinical lead for Movement Disorders at the Atkinson Morley Regional Neurosciences Centre.
Dr Paviour sees private patients with a wide variety of neurological problems and can organise any necessary investigations to get to the root of your symptoms. He takes the time to perform a comprehensive assessment, ensuring a clear diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Appointments with Dr Paviour
If you are experiencing symptoms you believe are related to a movement disorder, you can book an appointment to see Dr Paviour at one of his convenient locations, including Parkside Hospital, HCA Sydney Street, The London Clinic, and One Welbeck. To book, you can call 020 7042 1850.
