Parkinsons Specialist

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain. Over time, the disease kills these nerve cells, affecting movement, causing shaking, stiffness, and difficulty walking.

Dr. Lerman is an experienced and devoted neurologist who’s always looking for the best treatment for his patients with Parkinson’s disease. He invests time in learning about new therapies and getting his patients access to the most cutting-edge treatments. 

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease occurs from damage or death of the nerve cells in the brain that control motor movement. These nerve cells produce the chemical messenger dopamine. Damage or death to these nerve cells affects dopamine production, leading to abnormal brain activity. 

Researchers are trying to understand what causes these nerve cells to die but theorize it may be from genetic and environmental factors. 

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary and develop gradually. Some of the most common and distinct symptoms include:

• Trembling in the hands, legs, arms, jaw, or head
• Stiffness in the trunk or legs
• Slow down in movement
• Poor balance and coordination

Currently, there’s no single test for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. When you come in with concerns, Dr. Lerman takes a multidisciplinary and multimodal perspective to get an accurate diagnosis. 

Gables Neurology is a state-of-the-art neurology practice, and Dr. Lerman may request various diagnostic tests, such as a dopamine transporter scan (DaTSCAN), to support his diagnosis. 

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Dr. Lerman and the team are comfortable and familiar with all the newest medications and therapies available for Parkinson’s disease. The goal of your treatment plan focuses on improving your quality of life. Treatment may include:

Medication

To manage symptoms, Dr. Lerman develops a medication regimen that may include conventional pharmacokinetics and alternative therapies. 

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

DBS is a procedure that alleviates Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Gables Neurology provides DBS through the programs at Baptist Health and the University of Miami Hospital. 

Lifestyle modification

Lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, help those with Parkinson’s disease experience an improved quality of life.

Specialized therapy

Gables Neurology offers specialized therapy for their patients with Parkinson’s disease at Baptist Health. 

Medical cannabis

Dr. Lerman is a licensed medical marijuana physician in the state of Florida. Parkinson’s disease is one of the eligible conditions for the use of medical cannabis. He may recommend medical cannabis as an alternative therapy for managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Dr. Lerman is vigilant about providing his patients with the best treatments available. Call Gables Neurology, or book an appointment online today. 

Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation: Your Guide to DBS Therapy

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a revolutionary medical procedure that offers hope and improved quality of life for individuals battling certain neurological conditions. This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of DBS, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and answers to common questions you might have about the treatment.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Deep Brain Stimulation is an advanced neurosurgical procedure that involves the implantation of a device, known as a neurostimulator or "brain pacemaker," which sends electrical impulses to specific areas in the brain. These impulses regulate abnormal impulses or affect certain cells and chemicals within the brain. The procedure aims to reduce symptoms of neurological disorders, improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Who May Be Eligible for DBS?

DBS therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's typically considered for individuals who:

• Have Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or other neurological conditions that have not responded well to medication.
• Experience significant side effects from their current medication regimen.
• Are in good overall health and can undergo surgery.

The decision to proceed with DBS involves a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists, to ensure that it's the most appropriate treatment option for the patient.

Common Questions About DBS

How does the DBS device work? The DBS system consists of three main components: the lead (a thin, insulated wire) that is placed in a specific area of the brain, the extension that connects the lead to the neurostimulator, and the neurostimulator itself, which generates the electrical impulses. The system's settings are adjustable and can be tailored to the patient's specific condition and response to therapy.

Is the DBS procedure safe? Like any surgical procedure, DBS carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and the need for additional surgeries to adjust or replace parts of the system. However, when performed by an experienced medical team, DBS is considered safe and effective for managing symptoms of certain neurological disorders.

What can I expect after the procedure? Post-surgery, patients may experience immediate symptom relief, although it's more common for symptom improvement to occur gradually as the device settings are optimized over several weeks to months. Ongoing follow-up with the medical team is crucial to monitor the patient's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the DBS system.

Will DBS cure my condition? It's important to understand that DBS is not a cure for neurological disorders. However, it can significantly reduce symptoms, improving the patient's ability to perform daily tasks and enhancing their quality of life.

Conclusion

Deep Brain Stimulation represents a significant advancement in the treatment of neurological disorders, offering new hope to patients who have not found relief through traditional treatment methods. If you or a loved one are considering DBS, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it's the right option for you.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our clinic. Our team of specialists is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to improved health and well-being.