Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that reduces the level of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a chemical that regulates movement and emotions. As dopamine levels drop, people with Parkinson’s disease may develop tremors, slow movements, rigid limbs, gait and balance problems, and limited facial expressions. The disorder can also lead to a variety of non-movement symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, hallucinations, vision changes, dizziness and other issues. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, although medications, surgery, and physical and occupational therapy can often help to slow or manage the disease.
Neurologists at ChristianaCare have expertise managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms and slowing the disease’s progress and the toll it takes on their patients’ lives. A neurologist works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan; they may also recommend other resources and programs, such as LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s Disease, a program that uses repetitive, exaggerated (BIG) movements that increase dopamine production in the brain.
HealthCare Center at Christiana
200 Hygeia Drive, Suite 1420,
Newark, DE 19713