Parkinson's Disease Care in Syracuse, NY — CNY Neurological Consulting
Conditions
Parkinson's Disease Care in Syracuse, NY
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, balance, and other neurological functions. CNY Neurological Consulting provides evaluation and long-term management of Parkinson's disease, including deep brain stimulation programming for eligible patients.
What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine plays a critical role in coordinating smooth, controlled movement. As dopamine levels decline, the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease emerge.
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. While it is most often diagnosed in people over 60, it can occur in younger individuals. The disease course varies among individuals — some experience slow progression over many years, while others may have more rapid changes in function.
Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms
- Resting tremor — typically a pill-rolling tremor of the hand at rest
- Rigidity — stiffness or resistance to passive movement
- Bradykinesia — slowness of movement
- Postural instability — impaired balance and increased fall risk
- Gait changes — shuffling steps, reduced arm swing, freezing of gait
- Reduced facial expression (hypomimia)
- Soft voice (hypophonia)
- Non-motor symptoms: sleep disturbances, constipation, mood changes, cognitive changes, autonomic dysfunction
Neurological Evaluation
The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is clinical — based on the history and neurological examination. There is no definitive blood test or imaging study that confirms the diagnosis, though neuroimaging may be used to exclude other conditions.
A thorough evaluation includes assessment of motor function, gait, balance, and non-motor features. The response to dopaminergic medication can also support the diagnosis.
Medication and Long-Term Management
Levodopa remains the most effective medication for Parkinson's motor symptoms. Other dopaminergic medications and adjunctive therapies may be used to optimize motor control and manage motor fluctuations that can develop over time.
Long-term management involves monitoring disease progression, adjusting medications as the disease evolves, managing motor complications, and addressing non-motor symptoms. Regular neurological follow-up is an important component of Parkinson's care.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment option for selected patients with Parkinson's disease whose motor symptoms are not adequately controlled with medication. CNY Neurological Consulting provides DBS programming and management for patients with implanted systems.
DBS programming involves adjusting stimulation parameters to optimize motor control and minimize side effects. It is an ongoing process that requires regular neurological follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?
Most cases of Parkinson's disease are not directly inherited. However, genetic factors can play a role in some cases, particularly in younger-onset Parkinson's. A small percentage of cases are associated with identified genetic mutations.
Does everyone with Parkinson's eventually need DBS?
No. DBS is considered for patients with motor fluctuations or tremor that is not adequately controlled with medication. Many patients are managed effectively with medications alone throughout their disease course.
What is the difference between Parkinson's disease and essential tremor?
Essential tremor typically causes action tremor — tremor that occurs during movement — while Parkinson's tremor is characteristically a resting tremor. Essential tremor does not involve the other motor features of Parkinson's disease such as rigidity or bradykinesia. A neurological evaluation can help distinguish between the two.
Schedule a Consultation
CNY Neurological Consulting serves patients throughout Syracuse and Central New York. Contact our office to schedule a neurological consultation.