Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Care

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Santa Rosa Medical Center is dedicated to meeting the complex health care needs of individuals with movement disorders. The neurologists, neurosurgeons and other specialists of Santa Rosa Medical Center use clinically-proven methods for alleviating debilitating symptoms, providing a diagnosis and offering treatment and support services.

Common Movement Disorders Treated
Some of the most common movement disorders treated include, but are not limited to:

• Parkinson's disease
• Involuntary movement disorders such as ataxia, chorea, dystonia, myoclonus and Tourette syndrome
• Essential tremor
• Huntington's disease
• Medication-induced movement disorders
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS) and other sleep-related movement disorders

Treatment Options for Movement Disorders
Specialists at Santa Rosa Medical Center develop a customized treatment plan that offers long-term management, utilizing a range of specialists. Treatment plans often draw from a variety of therapies, including:

• Medications
• Injections of Botulinum toxin
• Evidence-based complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, exercise and relaxation techniques
• Surgical options, including deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Rehabilitative care, including physical, occupational and speech therapies
• Care and support for non-motor-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression and psychosocial issues

Parkinson’s Disease Care at Santa Rosa Medical Center
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition that attacks the nervous system and generally occurs in older age. The most common signs of Parkinson’s include:

• Tremor
• Muscular rigidity
• Slow, imprecise movement
• Joint pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Poor coordination
• Dementia and memory loss in advanced stages of Parkinson’s

Doctors may utilize a CT scan or PET scan to help diagnose Parkinson’s, and may also do blood tests to check for certain hormones and chemicals.

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
If diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the physicians at Santa Rosa Medical Center will work with you to create the treatment plan that best addresses the disease’s progression, as well as your body’s current state. Options for treatment include:

• Medication
• Home treatment and lifestyle change – this includes a healthy diet and exercise
• Surgery – a procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to help control and reduce some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

Call a Neurologist in Santa Rosa County Today
It is important to begin treating Parkinson’s disease as soon as possible in order to slow its effects. If you or your doctor suspects the possibility of Parkinson’s disease, call to make an appointment with a board-certified neurologist at (850) 626-7762.