On World Parkinson’s Day, doctors at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and mental wellness in managing Parkinson’s disease. Addressing a press meet, senior neurology and neurosurgery consultants shared insights into modern treatment options and dispelled common myths surrounding the neurological disorder.
“Parkinson’s Disease is not a death sentence. With the right diagnosis and continuous care, patients can lead meaningful and active lives,” said Dr. S. Ramesh, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon. “Deep Brain Stimulation is used for Parkinson’s patients who are refractory to medical treatment. It involves placement of electrodes in deeper structures of the brain and stimulation using a system that includes electrodes, wires, and a pulse generator. It’s a game changer in the treatment of refractory Parkinson’s, giving a new hope of life,” he added.
He was joined by Dr. Kamlesh M Chawda, HOD & Senior Consultant Neurologist, Dr. M. Lakshmi Lavanya and Dr. Narreddy Sandeep Reddy, Consultant Neurologists in the press meet.
Parkinson’s Disease, they explained, is primarily caused by a drop in dopamine production in the brain due to neuron degeneration. While it typically affects individuals over 60, doctors are seeing increasing cases in younger age groups. Common early symptoms include loss of smell, hand tremors, constipation, and gait imbalance. “Genetic testing is now making it possible to identify risk in those with a family history even before symptoms appear,” added Dr. Lakshmi Lavanya.
In early stages, oral medications and injectable dopamine gels have shown great success in symptom management. For advanced cases, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery and the latest MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedures are available. These techniques are helping improve patient quality of life significantly.
Dr. Sandeep Reddy also stressed the importance of holistic care, including physiotherapy, mental health support, and calming practices like music therapy. “A peaceful mind, regular follow-ups, and community support go a long way in managing Parkinson’s effectively,” he noted.
Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, is fully equipped with state-of-the-art neurology and neurosurgery departments, offering all forms of Parkinson’s care from medication to advanced surgical procedures.