Complete Care for Parkinson’s Disease in Southern California

Parkinson’s disease is chronic and progressive. Typically, it affects people over the age of 60 but can begin earlier in life. Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain no longer function or start to die, causing a drop in circulating dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that enables nerve cells to communicate normal movement. Reduced levels of dopamine in people with Parkinson’s disease cause movement problems, such as hand tremors.

At Dignity Health Southern California, our comprehensive neurology services include trusted care for Parkinson’s disease in Southern California. Our specialists can address your symptoms and determine a treatment that’s right for you. Find a Doctor online and make an appointment today.

Parkinson’s Disease Causes

A few specific gene mutations can cause Parkinson’s disease, and it can run in families. However, most cases of Parkinson’s are not inherited. The reasons dopamine-producing nerve cells are lost are unknown. It’s thought that a combination of environmental factors and genetics plays a role.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms primarily involve problems with physical movement, including:

• Poor balance
• Slow movement
• Tremors of the legs, hands, face, or even voice
• Muscle stiffness in the torso, arms, or legs
• Difficulty coordinating movements

Other non-movement symptoms can also be caused by Parkinson’s disease, such as digestive problems, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disorders.

Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease at Dignity Health Southern California

While there currently isn’t a way to cure or prevent Parkinson’s disease, our experts are here to ease your symptoms and improve quality of life. Your neurology team at Dignity Health Southern California will create a personalized treatment plan using any of the following therapies:

• Complementary therapies including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy
• Medications to increase dopamine levels in the brain
• Surgery to implant a deep brain stimulation device (DBS) that blocks the electrical signals responsible motor symptoms, such as tremor

Gain control over your symptoms and your health with the help of Dignity Health Southern California today.