Understanding Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that affect the speed, quality, fluency, and ease of movement. Parkinson’s disease is the most well-known of these, but many other conditions also affect movement, balance, and coordination. At CBB Hospital (Cochin Hospital for Brain and Behavioral Health), Kochi, our specialized movement disorders clinic offers expert diagnosis, comprehensive management, and ongoing support for patients and their families.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is essential for coordinating smooth and controlled movement. As dopamine levels fall, the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s develop. While it primarily affects people over 60, early-onset Parkinson’s can occur in younger individuals as well.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease produces a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms:
- Motor Symptoms:
- Tremor — typically a resting tremor affecting one hand, often described as “pill-rolling”
- Bradykinesia — slowness of movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming
- Rigidity — muscle stiffness and resistance to movement
- Postural instability — impaired balance and coordination, increasing fall risk
- Festination — short, shuffling steps with a forward-stooped posture
- Reduced arm swing while walking
- Non-Motor Symptoms:
- Depression, anxiety, and mood changes
- Cognitive impairment and dementia (in advanced stages)
- Sleep disorders including REM sleep behaviour disorder
- Autonomic dysfunction — constipation, urinary problems, low blood pressure
- Loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- Soft or monotone speech (hypophonia)
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
- Fatigue and pain
Other Movement Disorders We Treat
- Essential Tremor: The most common movement disorder — an action tremor affecting the hands, head, or voice.
- Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive, twisting movements or abnormal postures.
- Chorea & Huntington’s Disease: Involuntary, irregular, brief jerking movements throughout the body.
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A progressive neurodegenerative disorder with features of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic failure.
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): A rare neurodegenerative condition causing gait instability, falls, and eye movement problems.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at night, significantly disrupting sleep.
- Tics & Tourette Syndrome: Involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds.
- Ataxia: Lack of coordination affecting gait, balance, speech, and fine motor skills.
Diagnosis of Movement Disorders
Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management. Our neurologists at CBB Hospital conduct comprehensive evaluations including:
- Detailed neurological history and clinical examination
- Assessment of motor function, gait, balance, and coordination
- MRI/CT Brain — to identify structural abnormalities or secondary causes
- DaTscan (Dopamine Transporter Scan) — to confirm dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson’s disease
- Neuropsychological testing — to evaluate cognitive function
- Genetic testing — when hereditary movement disorders are suspected
- Blood tests and metabolic investigations
Treatment Approaches at CBB Hospital
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but a wide range of treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Our movement disorders team tailors treatment to each patient’s specific needs:
- Pharmacological Treatment: Levodopa (the gold standard therapy), dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, and anticholinergics are used in individualized combinations to manage motor symptoms.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): A neurosurgical procedure where a device implanted in the brain delivers controlled electrical impulses to specific brain targets, significantly reducing tremor, rigidity, and medication-induced dyskinesias in selected patients.
- Botulinum Toxin Injections: For focal dystonias, tremor, and drooling associated with Parkinson’s disease.
- Physiotherapy & Neurorehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy programs including gait training, balance exercises, and the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) for speech and voice problems.
- Occupational Therapy: Strategies to maintain independence in daily activities and adapt the home environment for safety.
- Speech Therapy: For hypophonia and dysphagia management.
- Psychological Support: Counselling and therapy for patients and caregivers managing the emotional burden of Parkinson’s disease.
Living With Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a lifelong journey that affects both the patient and their family. CBB Hospital provides comprehensive caregiver education, support groups, and regular monitoring to ensure patients maintain the best possible quality of life through every stage of the disease. Early treatment and regular follow-up are key to slowing progression and maintaining independence.
Why Choose CBB Hospital for Movement Disorders?
- Experienced movement disorders neurologists with subspecialty training
- Access to the latest pharmacological and surgical treatment options
- Integrated team including neurology, neurosurgery, physiotherapy, and psychology
- Comprehensive neurorehabilitation programs
- Patient and caregiver education and support
- Regular follow-up and disease monitoring
Book an Appointment
Our team is ready to help — whether you are a concerned parent, a teenager seeking confidential support, or a family caring for an elderly loved one.
📞 +91-9048215757 / +91-9048213838
📧 contact@cbbhospital.com
📍 CBB Hospital, Kailas Colony, HMT Colony, North Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala – 682021
