Parkinson’s disease and tremor are the two most common movement disorders to affect adults. There are many conditions that can be confused with Parkinson’s disease, and there are many causes of tremor. The best type of treatment depends largely on making the correct diagnosis.
DIAGNOSIS
Neurologists are medical specialists who concentrate on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. Some neurologists super-specialise in particular areas, and movement disorders is one of these. At Precision Brain Spine and Pain Centre, we believe that patients receive the best care when their specialists concentrate on a few areas of their field, rather than trying to be a ‘jack of all trades’.
Once Parkinson’s disease and Tremor are diagnosed, the treatment options need to be carefully considered. In recent years, treatment of these conditions has expanded beyond simply taking medications, something that neurologists traditionally have taken control of. Non-pharmacological treatments, specifically Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), are now a real option for many patients with Parkinson’s disease and tremor.
Selecting and delivering the best treatment options for patient with Parkinson’s disease and tremor involves a tram approach. The team at Precision includes specialist neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists. We believe that such a team approach maximises the chance of an excellent outcome and minimises the risks.
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION TREATMENT
Deep Brain Stimulation is an exciting surgical development which has helped thousands of people worldwide. It uses leading edge technology and advanced surgical techniques to change the way electrical signals flow through the brain. In doing so, it offers an opportunity to reduce the effects of debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, other types of tremor (post-traumatic tremor, multiple sclerosis tremor), dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome, and more recently even depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Deep brain stimulation offers hope to many, but before someone can head down this path there are some important questions they will need to ask, and assessments they will need to complete. Our highly-trained specialists are available to assist with this journey.