melissa, Author at Neurology Solutions

Dehydration in Parkinson’s: Symptoms, Risks & Tips

Dehydration is always a risk of disease and aging. Dehydration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a major health concern. Symptoms of PD contribute to and also mask dehydration, and the risks associated with becoming dehydrated can significantly worsen already compromised neurological function.

Knowing the risk factors, signs of dehydration and steps for staying hydrated can help you manage this concern, whether you’re a caretaker or someone with Parkinson’s.

YOPD patient unveils glass mosaic at neurology clinic

Last fall, Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center commissioned an art installation from YOPD patient Alex Andron, who creates mosaic art as part of his Parkinson’s management. The Austin artist unveiled the piece–a glass mosaic artwork depicting the icon in the Neurology Solutions logo–earlier this month in the neurology clinic’s patient waiting area.

Andron says deep brain stimulation surgery has played an important role in allowing him to restore the fine motor skills needed to pursue his craft.

nutritional approach to neurodegeneration how to make a protein shake

Nutritional Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center Medical Director Robert Izor, MD, MS, has created a short video demonstrating how to prepare a protein shake, including detailed step-by-step instructions, ingredients and serving recommendations. A neurology clinic based in Austin, Texas, that focuses on the care and treatment of movement disorders, Neurology Solutions recommends a nutritional approach to treating neurodegenerative disease.

Parkinson’s disease treatment and care

A neurological disorder affecting an estimated 1 million Americans, Parkinson’s disease treatment and care costs the United States an estimated $25 billion per year. Researchers are working around the clock to find better treatments as well as mechanisms to slow or reverse progression of the disease with hopes for an eventual cure. Because of the multi-system nature of the condition, effectively managing Parkinson’s disease requires a multi-layered approach, including medication therapy, complementary treatments and advanced therapies to address symptoms and improve functioning,

Parkinson’s Early Signs and Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that leads to motor symptoms such as shaking and difficulty with movement and coordination. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year and an estimated 1 million live with the condition, according to the National Institutes of Health. This article will provide information on Parkinson’s early signs and symptoms and will help answer the question “what is Parkinson’s?”

Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Advancements

Dr. Robert Izor of Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center joined Austin’s KXAN News Studio 512 last week to talk about advancements in Medtronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, a surgical treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and disorders such as dystonia and essential tremor. In 2016, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Medtronic DBS therapy for use in people with early Parkinson’s disease—at least four-years duration—with recent onset of motor complications not adequately controlled with medication.

DBS-device manufacturer Medtronic is at the forefront of new, more precise programming technology allowing the DBS current field to stimulate deeper areas of the brain and alleviate stimulation-induced symptoms. Medtronic named Neurology Solutions the fourth-largest private DBS implant center in the country and the largest such center managing DBS patients in Texas.

Young Onset Parkinson’s Inspires Austin man to Pursue Goals

Neurology Solutions patient Alex Andron’s path has traversed a successful career on Wall Street to new ventures as an artist, author and adventurer who plans to climb to the peak of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in August as an advocate for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Andron, who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) at 35 years old, is currently completing an autobiographical book about his experience with YOPD, No Limits, scheduled for release this spring.

He tracks his journey on his blog, ElevateParkinsons.com, and shares his inspiring story of accepting and overcoming the challenges of living with YOPD.

Neurology Solutions offers DBS troubleshooting evaluations

Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center is offering same-day DBS troubleshooting evaluations for new implanted patients to assess deep brain stimulation problems and failures. Patients will receive an initial 1-1/2 hour medical consultation and multiple follow-up programming sessions, as needed, until optimal DBS results are achieved. Neurology Solutions will thoroughly analyze your DBS system as part of the DBS evaluation to determine adequate medication dosing, optimal lead placement, and to investigate problems related to stimulation or hardware.

Neurology Solutions providers oversee the post-operative management of more than 150 patients with DBS.

deep brain stimulation support and learning

Deep Brain Stimulation Learning, Support Group

Undergoing surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation can be a stressful experience for patients and their families. Neurology Solutions sponsors a deep brain stimulation support group monthly to provide a chance to meet and learn from others with Parkinson’s disease who have undergone DBS surgery. Many of our patients report that talking to other patients before having DBS surgery provided them great comfort and helped them reach a decision about surgery.

Individuals in the Austin area who have undergone DBS surgery or are considering this option and their families are welcome to join the DBS Support Group at 2 p.m., the third Friday of every month at Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center office.

Developments in Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

This past year brought several exciting developments in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. From fast-tracking of an antibody being trialed as an immunotherapy drug in cancer treatment to FDA approval of the first medication to treat PD psychosis, researchers are advancing new medications for motor and secondary symptoms of the disease and gaining greater understanding of and potential therapies to slow disease process.