As MediFind wrote this post, we realized that our site does not yet identify movement disorders as a condition. MediFind is always evolving and changing, and we’re working now to add movement disorders to our site, as many Parkinson’s disease advocacy groups recommend seeing a movement disorders specialist. Stay tuned for updates!
In 1998, actor Michael J. Fox made headlines when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years earlier. When filming Doc Hollywood in 1991, Fox developed a tremor in his pinky finger that soon spread to his entire hand. At just 29 years old, Fox learned he had young-onset Parkinson’s disease.
In his 2002 memoir Lucky Man, Fox recounts how he received the diagnosis after seeking second and third opinions from various specialists. Reflecting on that moment, he wrote about sitting in the doctor’s office and thinking, “Now what?”
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, or if you’re caring for a loved one who has, you may be thinking the same thing: Now what? A Parkinson’s diagnosis often comes with a wave of uncertainty and confusion, leaving many with questions such as:
- What causes Parkinson’s disease?
- What treatments are available?
- How will my symptoms progress?
- Is there a cure?
- What type of specialist should I see?
Understanding Parkinson’s disease is the first step toward managing it. In this post, we’ll explore the condition and the specialists who can help.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and other functions. While its exact cause is unknown, results from it is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Parkinson’s disease typically affects individuals who are in their 60s or older. When someone younger than 50—like Fox—is diagnosed, it’s called young-onset Parkinson’s disease. Nearly one million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, and that number is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Symptoms vary but commonly include movement and non-movement issues.
- Movement issues: Tremors, stiffness, balance and gait problems, and slowed movement.
- Non-movement symptoms: Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing) and cognitive impairments.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. Medications can help manage symptoms. Having an expert team of healthcare providers is critical to help develop a care plan that is unique to your needs.
Your Parkinson’s care team
Parkinson’s is a complex condition that often requires a team approach—a team of specialists who can help you navigate treatment, manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life. It’s important that your care team members, including your primary care physician, have regular communication and collaboration to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Key specialists on your care team include:
- Neurologist: This doctor is the cornerstone of your medical team. A neurologist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Your neurologist may also recommend you see a movement disorders specialist, a neurologist with advanced training in Parkinson’s and related conditions.
- Physical therapist: A physical therapist designs a tailored exercise program to improve mobility, strength and balance, helping you stay independent longer.
- Occupational therapist: Occupational therapists help make daily activities, like bathing, eating and dressing, easier by suggesting tools and strategies tailored to your needs.
- Speech-language pathologist: Many people with Parkinson’s experience challenges with speech and swallowing. A speech-language pathologist creates therapy plans to improve both.
- Mental health specialist: Research from the Parkinson’s Foundation estimates that at least 50% of people with Parkinson’s will experience depression, and up to 40% will experience anxiety. If you experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s important to seek help. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed, but seeking care from a psychologist or licensed therapist—known as talk therapy—is also beneficial.
Finding the right doctors
Managing Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right care team and a proactive approach, you can manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
The best care starts with the best doctors. MediFind’s “Find a Doctor” tool helps you find a neurologist in your area with experience treating Parkinson’s. Our “Find a Doctor” tool uses objective medical data about each doctor to help you easily compare physicians based on the following criteria:
- Their experience treating patients with your condition
- Their research contributions and publications related to the condition
- Referrals from other specialists
- Connections with other experts treating the same condition
Based on these criteria, providers are assigned a level of expertise for each specific health condition they treat. With more than 21,000 providers who treat Parkinson’s, we can help you find expert care quickly and easily.
Ready to find the right doctor? Start your search here.
