Parkinson's Disease Care at Mayo Clinic

Parkinson's Disease Care provides specialized evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management for people living with Parkinson's disease and related movement symptoms. Specialists develop individualized care plans based on symptoms, disease progression, medication response and functional needs. Treatment may include medication management, rehabilitation, exercise programs, advanced therapies, device-based treatments and surgical evaluation for appropriately selected patients.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of Parkinson's disease care depends on the type and severity of symptoms, specialist consultation, neurological evaluation, diagnostic testing, medications, rehabilitation, advanced therapies, device-based treatment, surgery and follow-up care required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's individual treatment needs.

Complete Description

What Is Parkinson's Disease Care?

Parkinson's Disease Care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of Parkinson's disease and associated movement, cognitive and functional symptoms.

A personalized treatment plan may address both motor and non-motor symptoms and may be adjusted over time as the condition changes.

Symptoms Evaluated and Treated

Parkinson's disease specialists may evaluate:

• Tremor

• Slowness of movement

• Muscle stiffness

• Balance problems

• Walking difficulties

• Postural instability

• Freezing of gait

• Reduced facial expression

• Changes in handwriting

• Speech difficulties

• Swallowing problems

• Sleep problems

• Cognitive changes

• Mood changes

• Medication-related fluctuations

• Involuntary movements

Parkinson's Disease Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation may include:

• Detailed medical history

• Neurological examination

• Movement assessment

• Medication history

• Review of symptom progression

• Assessment of walking and balance

• Evaluation of tremor and stiffness

• Cognitive assessment when appropriate

• Review of previous diagnostic testing

• Assessment of treatment response

The goal is to confirm the diagnosis, understand symptom patterns and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's:

• Medical history

• Neurological examination

• Movement symptoms

• Disease progression

• Response to medication

• Clinical findings

Additional testing may be used when necessary to evaluate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Parkinson's Disease Medication Management

Medication is an important component of Parkinson's disease treatment.

Medication management may involve:

• Selecting appropriate medications

• Adjusting dosage

• Managing timing of medications

• Monitoring symptom response

• Managing side effects

• Addressing medication fluctuations

• Adjusting treatment as symptoms change

Treatment is individualized according to the patient's symptoms and response.

Levodopa Treatment

Levodopa is commonly used to manage motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

It may help improve:

• Slowness of movement

• Muscle stiffness

• Tremor

• Walking difficulties

Specialists may adjust dosage and timing according to symptom patterns and treatment response.

Motor Fluctuation Management

Some patients may experience changes in symptom control between medication doses.

These fluctuations may include:

• Wearing-off periods

• Sudden return of symptoms

• Delayed medication response

• Changes in mobility throughout the day

Specialists may adjust medications or consider advanced therapies when appropriate.

Dyskinesia Management

Dyskinesia refers to involuntary movements that may occur in some patients receiving long-term Parkinson's disease treatment.

Management may include:

• Medication adjustment

• Changes in medication timing

• Advanced medication therapies

• Device-based treatment

• Deep brain stimulation evaluation for selected patients

Treatment depends on the severity and pattern of dyskinesia.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an advanced treatment that uses an implanted device to deliver electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain.

DBS may be considered for selected patients experiencing:

• Medication-related fluctuations

• Dyskinesias

• Tremor not adequately controlled with medication

• Other significant motor symptoms

A detailed evaluation is required before DBS is recommended.

Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation

Patients being considered for DBS may undergo:

• Neurological assessment

• Movement disorder evaluation

• Medication response assessment

• Brain imaging

• Neuropsychological testing

• Functional assessment

• Neurosurgical consultation

The purpose is to determine whether DBS is appropriate and identify suitable treatment targets.

Deep Brain Stimulation Follow-Up

Patients with DBS may require ongoing follow-up for:

• Device programming

• Symptom monitoring

• Medication adjustment

• Device assessment

• Battery monitoring

• Management of treatment response

Programming is individualized according to symptoms and treatment goals.

Advanced Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease may require specialized management when standard medication becomes less effective or produces significant fluctuations.

Advanced care may include:

• Medication optimization

• Advanced medication delivery

• Deep brain stimulation evaluation

• Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech and swallowing therapy

The treatment approach depends on the patient's symptoms and overall condition.

Physical Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Physical therapy may help patients maintain:

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Balance

• Walking ability

• Mobility

• Postural control

• Physical independence

Exercise programs may be tailored to the patient's abilities and disease stage.

Exercise and Parkinson's Disease

Regular physical activity may be incorporated into an individualized Parkinson's disease management plan.

Exercise programs may include:

• Walking

• Strength training

• Balance exercises

• Flexibility exercises

• Aerobic activity

• Coordination exercises

• Movement training

The exercise program should be appropriate for the patient's physical condition and safety needs.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help patients maintain independence in daily activities.

Treatment may address:

• Dressing

• Eating

• Personal care

• Household tasks

• Work activities

• Hand function

• Fine motor skills

• Use of adaptive equipment

Speech and Swallowing Therapy

Parkinson's disease can affect speech and swallowing.

Specialized therapy may address:

• Reduced voice volume

• Speech clarity

• Communication difficulties

• Swallowing problems

• Eating and drinking safety

Treatment is individualized according to the patient's symptoms.

Cognitive and Psychological Care

Some people with Parkinson's disease may experience:

• Memory changes

• Attention difficulties

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Sleep problems

• Changes in thinking

• Other emotional or behavioral symptoms

Specialists may evaluate these symptoms and incorporate appropriate treatment and support into the overall care plan.

Sleep Problems in Parkinson's Disease

Sleep-related symptoms may include:

• Insomnia

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Sleep behavior disorders

• Restless legs symptoms

• Other sleep disturbances

Evaluation may include sleep history, medication review and specialized sleep assessment when appropriate.

Balance and Fall Prevention

Balance difficulties can increase the risk of falls.

Care may include:

• Balance assessment

• Gait evaluation

• Physical therapy

• Strengthening exercises

• Home safety recommendations

• Assistive device assessment

• Fall-prevention strategies

The goal is to improve mobility and reduce injury risk.

Freezing of Gait Treatment

Some patients experience episodes in which their feet temporarily feel difficult to move, particularly while:

• Starting to walk

• Turning

• Entering narrow spaces

• Changing direction

Physical therapy and specialized movement strategies may help some patients manage these episodes.

Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation

A multidisciplinary rehabilitation program may include:

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Balance training

• Walking rehabilitation

• Strength training

• Functional movement exercises

Rehabilitation goals are adjusted according to disease progression and individual needs.

Long-Term Parkinson's Disease Management

Parkinson's disease generally requires ongoing medical management.

Long-term care may include:

• Regular neurological assessments

• Medication adjustments

• Monitoring of motor symptoms

• Evaluation of non-motor symptoms

• Rehabilitation

• Exercise planning

• Fall prevention

• Advanced treatment evaluation

• Device follow-up when applicable

Treatment plans may change as symptoms evolve.

Parkinson's Disease and Daily Function

Care may focus on maintaining independence with:

• Personal care

• Mobility

• Communication

• Eating

• Household activities

• Work

• Social activities

• Physical exercise

Assistive strategies and rehabilitation may help patients remain active and independent.

Parkinson's Disease Second Opinion

Patients who have already received a Parkinson's disease diagnosis or treatment recommendation may seek a movement disorder second opinion.

The specialist may review:

• Neurological reports

• Brain imaging

• Medication history

• Previous treatment

• Symptom progression

• Rehabilitation records

• Proposed advanced treatment

• DBS recommendations

A second opinion may help clarify the diagnosis and treatment options.

Multidisciplinary Parkinson's Disease Care

Complex Parkinson's disease management may involve:

• Movement disorder neurologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Neuropsychologists

• Physical therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Speech therapists

• Rehabilitation specialists

• Other medical professionals

A multidisciplinary approach can address motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms and functional needs together.

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant medical documentation whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• Neurology reports

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Medication history

• Previous treatment records

• DBS records when applicable

• Rehabilitation reports

• Previous surgical reports

• Current medication list

Complete medical information can help specialists understand the patient's disease history and previous treatment.

Benefits of Specialized Parkinson's Disease Care

Specialized care may help:

• Confirm and evaluate Parkinson's disease

• Optimize medications

• Manage tremor and stiffness

• Address movement fluctuations

• Manage dyskinesia

• Improve walking and balance

• Support physical activity

• Address speech and swallowing problems

• Evaluate advanced therapies

• Assess suitability for deep brain stimulation

• Support long-term independence

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Parkinson's Disease Care?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized care for Parkinson's disease through multidisciplinary teams that may include movement disorder neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and other professionals.

Depending on the patient's condition, care may include neurological evaluation, medication optimization, rehabilitation, advanced therapies and deep brain stimulation evaluation for appropriately selected patients.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost of Parkinson's disease care depends on the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment required.

Potential costs may include:

• Parkinson's disease consultation

• Neurological evaluation

• Diagnostic testing

• MRI or CT imaging

• Medication management

• Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Deep brain stimulation evaluation

• Neurosurgical procedures

• Device programming

• Follow-up consultations

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's individual treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be treated?

Treatment may address tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, balance problems, walking difficulties, dyskinesia, medication fluctuations and selected non-motor symptoms.

2. Is Parkinson's disease treated only with medication?

No. Care may also include physical therapy, exercise, occupational therapy, speech therapy, advanced medication approaches and device-based or surgical treatments for selected patients.

3. What is deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease?

Deep brain stimulation is an advanced treatment that uses an implanted device to deliver electrical stimulation to specific brain areas to help manage certain Parkinson's disease symptoms.

4. Is deep brain stimulation suitable for every Parkinson's patient?

No. DBS is considered only for appropriately selected patients after detailed neurological, medical and functional evaluation.

5. Can physical therapy help Parkinson's disease?

Physical therapy may help patients maintain mobility, balance, strength, flexibility and walking ability and can be an important part of long-term management.

Product Details

Product Name: Parkinson's Disease Care

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Parkinson's Disease Care

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA