Our Services / Parkinson's Disease

General Neurology located in Albuquerque, NM

Parkinson's Disease

If you’re one of the one million people in the United States living with Parkinson’s disease, you can find comprehensive help at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque. Timothy Ownbey, DO, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Ownbey uses a combination of medications, physical therapy, and other strategies to manage your symptoms in the long-term, so you can live an independent, high-quality life. Call the office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or book an appointment online today.

Parkinson's Disease Q & A

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects movement. When you have Parkinson’s disease, certain nerve cells (neurons) in your brain break down and die gradually over time.

The loss of neurons causes a drop in dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays a role in many of the body’s functions.

The root cause of Parkinson’s disease isn’t well understood, but your genetic history and your environment can play a role. Your risk for Parkinson’s disease can increase if you’re over 60, have a family history of the disease, or due to exposure to toxins.

Men are also more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.

When should I seek help for Parkinson’s disease?

In the earliest stages of Parkinson’s disease, you may not have any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience:

Tremors
Rigid muscles
Slowed movements
Changes in your posture
Loss of balance
Speech disruptions

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation for Parkinson’s disease at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque without delay if you have any of these symptoms. If left untreated, Parkinson’s disease can cause depression, swallowing problems, cognitive issues, and other complications.

Dr. Ownbey offers on-site physical exams and other diagnostic testing services to either confirm or rule out Parkinson’s disease as the cause of your symptoms. He may request blood work or diagnostic imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify underlying abnormalities that contribute to your symptoms.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, Dr. Ownbey has extensive experience helping people manage their symptoms using strategies like:

Lifestyle changes
Dietary modifications
Stretching and balancing exercises
Medications

Deep brain stimulation is another option for treating Parkinson’s disease. This treatment involves the implantation of electrodes into a targeted area of your brain. The electrodes attach to a generator that Dr. Ownbey places in your chest. The generator sends electrical signals to your brain to alter its activity, so you can find ongoing relief of your Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

You may also benefit from massage therapy to relax your muscles and improve blood circulation.

To learn more about the available options for treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, call Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque or book a consultation online today.