Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease services offered in Katy, TX

Parkison’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects movements and balance. Sadia Yasser, MD, and the team at Advanced Neurology of Katy specialize in diagnosing and treating Parkison’s disease. The team offers the latest treatments to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Call the office in Katy, Texas, today or book an appointment online.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is classified as a neurodegenerative disorder that causes uncontrollable movements (tremors), stiffness, and poor balance and coordination. Anyone can develop Parkinson’s disease, but the risk increases with age.

People who get Parkison’s disease early in life, before age 50, usually have an inherited form of the disease.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is caused by changes in the cells of the basal ganglia, the area of the brain that controls movement. The basal ganglia cells produce a brain chemical called dopamine. A decline in dopamine levels affects movement, leading to Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Researchers are still trying to determine what causes the changes in the basal ganglia cells.

Additionally, Parkinson’s disease affects the nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, a brain chemical that controls heart rate, digestion, and muscle contractions.

Which symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease?

Because the disease affects so many bodily systems, Parkinson’s disease symptoms vary, which makes arriving at an accurate diagnosis more difficult. Symptoms include:

Slow movements
Shaking of the muscles (tremors)
Muscle stiffness
Change in gait (how you walk)
Drooling
Cramped handwriting
Difficulty swallowing
Constipation
Urinary incontinence
Depression
Loss of sense of smell
Sleep problems
Difficulty focusing

The onset of symptoms and their severity vary, but the disease and symptoms develop over several years. Early symptoms, like difficulty getting out of a chair or changes in speech, can go unnoticed.

Parkinson’s disease can also cause symptoms on only one side of the body.

The team at Advanced Neurology of Katy uses symptoms as a guide to determine what types of diagnostic tests are needed to find the underlying cause of your symptoms. Brain imaging and bloodwork help diagnose Parkinson’s disease.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Treating Parkinson’s disease focuses on symptom management. The Advanced Neurology of Katy team personalizes care plans based on your symptom type and severity.

Treatment can include:

Medication to increase dopamine production to improve movement
Medication to manage sleep or depression
Medication for sexual dysfunction
Deep brain stimulation

The team at Advanced Neurology of Katy works closely with you, developing and updating your treatment so that you live a full, active life.

Call Advanced Neurology of Katy today or book an appointment online for comprehensive care by Parkions’s disease experts.