What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain. Over time, the disease kills these nerve cells, affecting movement, causing shaking, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Dr. Lerman is an experienced and devoted neurologist who’s always looking for the best treatment for his patients with Parkinson’s disease. He invests time in learning about new therapies and getting his patients access to the most cutting-edge treatments.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease occurs from damage or death of the nerve cells in the brain that control motor movement. These nerve cells produce the chemical messenger dopamine. Damage or death to these nerve cells affects dopamine production, leading to abnormal brain activity.
Researchers are trying to understand what causes these nerve cells to die but theorize it may be from genetic and environmental factors.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary and develop gradually. Some of the most common and distinct symptoms include:
- Trembling in the hands, legs, arms, jaw, or head
- Stiffness in the trunk or legs
- Slow down in movement
- Poor balance and coordination
Currently, there’s no single test for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. When you come in with concerns, Dr. Lerman takes a multidisciplinary and multimodal perspective to get an accurate diagnosis.
Gables Neurology is a state-of-the-art neurology practice, and Dr. Lerman may request various diagnostic tests, such as a dopamine transporter scan (DaTSCAN), to support his diagnosis.
How is Parkinson’s disease treated?
Dr. Lerman and the team are comfortable and familiar with all the newest medications and therapies available for Parkinson’s disease. The goal of your treatment plan focuses on improving your quality of life. Treatment may include:
Medication
To manage symptoms, Dr. Lerman develops a medication regimen that may include conventional pharmacokinetics and alternative therapies.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
DBS is a procedure that alleviates Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Gables Neurology provides DBS through the programs at Baptist Health and the University of Miami Hospital.
Lifestyle modification
Lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, help those with Parkinson’s disease experience an improved quality of life.
Specialized therapy
Gables Neurology offers specialized therapy for their patients with Parkinson’s disease at Baptist Health.
Medical cannabis
Dr. Lerman is a licensed medical marijuana physician in the state of Florida. Parkinson’s disease is one of the eligible conditions for the use of medical cannabis. He may recommend medical cannabis as an alternative therapy for managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Dr. Lerman is vigilant about providing his patients with the best treatments available. Call Gables Neurology, or book an appointment online today.
