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Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the brain doesn’t produce enough dopamine, a chemical that regulates movement. Expert care from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health prioritizes your long-term well-being so you can feel your best and make the most of each day.
Parkinson’s disease treatment: Why choose us?
Our specialists tailor services that help you live the best possible quality of life. Find a Parkinson's disease specialist.
Some of our locations are among a few in the region to offer specialized services, such as:
Parkinson’s disease wellness services
You may see multiple Parkinson’s disease specialists in one convenient visit. In addition to neurologists, you may have access to a nurse specialist, speech therapist, physical therapist and occupational therapist. We work together to provide services that may include neurorehabilitation and treatments for Parkinson’s medication side effects.
Virtual care for Parkinson’s disease
Virtual visits may be an option for established patients coming to us from great distances. We answer questions, check treatment progress and coordinate additional care, if necessary. Our team also partners with local neurologists to help you receive some services close to home. Talk to your Parkinson’s specialist to find out if you are eligible.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms and complications
Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:
- Blinking less frequently
- Stiff or rigid muscles in your limbs
- Tremors and other involuntary movements of your hand, head, leg or arm
- Uncontrollably slow or small movement
- Walking and balance issues
Living with Parkinson’s often leads to complications like:
- Drooling and difficulty swallowing
- Bladder and bowel difficulties
- Dementia and other issues affecting memory and thinking
- Mood disorders, including depression, anxiety and agitation
- Reduced facial expressions
- Sleep issues
- Voice changes
Parkinson’s evaluation and diagnosis
Evaluations start by learning your symptoms and aspects of the disease you find most bothersome. Some locations offer advanced imaging studies that show dopamine levels in the brain. It enables us to distinguish between Parkinson’s disease and tremors caused by other movement disorders.
Our neurologists perform a thorough evaluation reflecting the latest research. We accurately confirm a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis based on:
- Symptoms
- Medical history
- Neurological exam
- Physical exam
- Imaging studies (when required)
- Skin biopsy (when required)
Parkinson’s disease treatments
Our Parkinson’s specialists start by explaining your diagnosis and what to expect. We review your therapy options and how they work. Treatments we offer for Parkinson’s disease include:
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There are many types of Parkinson’s medications. Some help the brain produce more dopamine, while others lessen the effects of specific symptoms.
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Neurorehabilitation services reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms and optimize your independence. A physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor (physiatrist) specializing in neurological disorders may be involved in your care.
Services may include:
- Physical therapy to improve balance and alleviate stiffness
- Occupational therapy to learn new methods for performing daily tasks
- Speech therapy to address voice and swallowing issues
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We may refer you to additional Virginia Mason Franciscan Health specialists who diagnose and treat specific Parkinson’s complications. Behavioral neurologists treat dementia due to Parkinson’s disease. Sleep medicine doctors help you get a good night’s rest. These are some of the many specialists we work with.
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Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is one of a few specialized programs in the Puget Sound offering deep brain stimulation (DBS). This treatment sends gentle electrical pulses to an area deep within the brain that controls movement. You may benefit from DBS if Parkinson’s disease has become more advanced, such as when you develop significant tremors or “off” time. “Off” times are periods when the effects of medication wear off and symptoms return.
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Social workers can connect you to services that make your life a little easier. You may benefit from extra help at home, adult daycare services or home health aides to assist you with daily activities.
Find a specialist
Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a Parkinson's disease specialist near you.