Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by a movement disorder?
A movement disorder is a neurological condition that affects how the body moves, causing abnormal, slow, excessive, or involuntary movements.
What are some movement disorders?
Common movement disorders include Parkinson’s disease, Essential tremor, Dystonia, Chorea, Tics, Myoclonus, and Ataxia.
What is Parkinson’s disease (PD)?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement. Common symptoms include shaking of the hands or arms, stiffness, slow movement, and balance difficulties. It can also affect mood, sleep, and thinking.
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
Early signs may include shaking of the hands or arms, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, changes in handwriting, loss of facial expression, soft speech, and reduced sense of smell.
Is Parkinson’s disease curable?
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet. However, modern treatments can greatly reduce symptoms and help people live better lives. One of these treatments is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, which can help control movement problems when guided by an experienced specialist.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors, aging, and environmental triggers that affect dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
Who is at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is more common in people over 50, but it can occur earlier. Risk factors include family history, age, and certain environmental exposures.
What is Dystonia, and how is it related to Parkinson’s disease?
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures. It can occur independently or as part of Parkinson’s disease, especially in younger patients, or as a medication side effect.
What is Essential tremor (ET), and how is it different from other movement disorders?
Essential tremor is a shaking of the hands, arms, or sometimes head that usually happens when you move. Unlike other movement disorders, like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor doesn’t usually cause stiffness or slow movements and mainly affects your ability to perform tasks like writing, eating, or holding objects.
What is the cause of Essential tremors?
The exact cause is not fully known, but essential tremors often run in families, suggesting a genetic link.
What are the symptoms of Essential tremor?
The main symptom is shaking, usually in the hands, arms, or head, that happens when you try to move or hold something. Other signs may include trouble writing, drinking from a cup, or holding small objects steadily. Shaking usually worsens with stress, fatigue, or movement.
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
There is no single test. Diagnosis is based on medical history, neurological examination, symptom assessment, and response to medication.
What treatment options are available for Parkinson’s disease?
Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, speech therapy, and advanced options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Each treatment plan is personalized to the patient’s needs.
Can Parkinson’s disease be managed online or through virtual consultations?
Yes. Many aspects of Parkinson’s care, including consultations, medication adjustments, and follow-ups, can be effectively managed through secure online consultations.
How does Parkinson's MD Care help patients?
Parkinson’s MD Care, led by Dr. Jawad Ahmad Bajwa, an expert neurologist in movement disorders, provides personalized treatment plans, expert guidance, and convenient virtual consultations focused on patient comfort and accessibility.
Who should seek care at Parkinson's MD Care?
Anyone experiencing movement-related symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness, dystonia, or balance issues can benefit from expert evaluation and guidance.
Can caregivers also consult Parkinson's MD Care?
Yes. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in consultations to better understand the condition, treatment options, and how to support their loved ones.
How often should Parkinson’s patients see a neurologist?
The frequency of visits depends on each patient’s symptoms and needs. At first, appointments may be more frequent to find the right medications and dosages. Once the treatment is stable, check-ups are usually scheduled every few months. Regular visits are important to monitor changes, adjust medications, and ensure the best possible quality of life.
Can lifestyle changes help with Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep habits, and mental well-being support can significantly improve symptom management and overall quality of life.
Can younger people develop Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. Although less common, young-onset, called Juvenile Parkinson’s disease, can occur and often requires specialized care and long-term planning.
Can a Parkinson’s patient live a normal life?
Yes, With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people with Parkinson’s live active and fulfilling lives for many years.
What happens when someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?
A neurologist creates a personalized treatment plan, usually involving medication, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-ups.
What is DBS in surgery?
DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is a neurosurgical procedure that implants tiny electrodes into specific brain areas to deliver mild electrical pulses that help reduce movement symptoms like tremors and stiffness in Parkinson’s disease.
How much does DBS surgery cost in Pakistan?
The cost of DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery in Pakistan depends on the hospital, the complexity of the procedure, and pre- and post-operative care. Prices can vary from center to center based on the services provided.
What is the recovery time for DBS surgery?
Recovery from DBS usually takes several weeks. Most people stay in the hospital for 1–7 days, return to light activities in 2–4 weeks, and require follow-up visits for programming over several months.
Does DBS cure movement disorders?
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) helps control symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and involuntary movements, making daily activities easier and improving quality of life. Many patients feel more comfortable moving around and notice a significant improvement in their symptoms, especially when DBS is combined with medications and other therapies.
How effective is DBS, and how safe is it compared to other elective procedures?
Deep brain stimulation is a well-established treatment for movement disorders and has a strong safety record. A large study of 2.85 million elective surgeries found DBS had lower 30-day complications than other common procedures, with similar readmission rates. This suggests DBS may be safer than many routine elective surgeries for suitable candidates.
How can I book a consultation with Parkinson's MD Care?
You can book a consultation through the Parkinson’s MD Care website, allowing you to connect with an expert neurologist from the comfort of your home.