Movement disorders and Parkinson’s disease

Movement disorders are a group of conditions of which the most common and most well known is Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a disruption in the connection between brain and muscles. The disease occurs when the cells in certain cerebral nuclei that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine die at an increased rate, resulting in a shortage of dopamine. The cause of this increased cell loss is still unknown.

The main and most striking symptoms are:

• Tremor in a hand, arm or leg, first on one side and later on both sides, usually at rest
• Muscle stiffness, making it difficult to start moving
• Slowing of movement
• Loss of expression in the face

Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured. The treatment involves counteracting the symptoms.

What does the Neurology service offer?

• Diagnosis

A good anamnesis and a neurological examination can go a long way towards helping the neurologist to make the right diagnosis.

• Imaging

Sometimes certain scans are necessary to support the diagnosis.

• Treatment and follow-up

To begin with, your neurologist will discuss the appropriate treatment with you and continue to monitor you. Over time, the treatment often has to be adapted.

• Duodopa pump

The most frequent treatment takes the form of pills. In addition, medication can also be administered straight into your intestine by means of a small tube known as a Duodopa pump. For this you have to undergo a minor operation. The medication can then be administered continuously via the small tube in your intestine.

• Deep brain stimulation

In some cases implanting electrodes in the brain can improve your symptoms. This is known as ‘deep brain stimulation’ (DBS). This can also be done in our hospital and is carried out by the neurosurgeon.