Understanding Various Parkinson Disease Treatment Strategies

11/21/2025

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system causing impaired movements. Our nervous system is a network of neurons (nerve cells) that control multiple body functions, including movement. Usually, symptoms appear slowly. The first sign may be a barely detectable tremor in one hand, or occasionally in the foot or jaw. Tremors are common with Parkinson's disease. However, the disease can induce stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance problems, all of which increase the risk of falls.

Your face might show little to no expression in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. When you walk, your arms might not swing. It also affects muscles that control speech resulting in soft or slurred speech. Over time, symptoms may worsen.

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, medications may help in alleviating symptoms. In order to help manage certain areas of the brain, a neurologist may recommend surgery depending upon the severity of the condition. This procedure might help in alleviating symptoms.

Read Also: Comprehensive Approach to Parkinson Disease Treatment

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Category	Symptoms	Description
Motor Symptoms	Tremors	Involuntary shaking, usually starting in the hands or fingers (resting tremor).
	Bradykinesia	Slowness of movement; tasks like buttoning clothes or walking take longer.
	Muscle Rigidity	Stiff, inflexible muscles causing discomfort and reduced range of movement.
	Postural Instability	Poor balance and coordination; increased risk of falls.
	Gait Changes	Shuffling walk, reduced arm swing, difficulty initiating steps (freezing).
Non-Motor Symptoms	Sleep Problems	Insomnia, vivid dreams, REM sleep behavior disorder.
	Autonomic Dysfunction	Constipation, low blood pressure on standing, urinary issues, sexual dysfunction.
	Mood Disorders	Depression, anxiety, irritability.
	Cognitive Changes	Memory issues, slower thinking, difficulty with focus or planning.
	Loss of Smell (Anosmia)	Reduced or absent sense of smell years before motor symptoms.
	Fatigue	Extreme tiredness not relieved by rest.
Sensory Symptoms	Pain	Muscle cramps, nerve pain, or general body pain.
	Vision Changes	Blurred vision, difficulty with contrast, dry eyes.
Speech & Swallowing	Soft Voice (Hypophonia)	Low or muffled speech, monotone voice.
	Slurred Speech	Difficulty articulating words.
	Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)	Trouble chewing or swallowing, risk of choking.

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Currently, there is no definitive test to diagnose Parkinson's disease. A neurologist makes the diagnosis after reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and doing a neurological and physical exam. It can take longer to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Doctors may advise you to schedule regular follow-up sessions with neurologists specializing in movement disorders to assess your condition and symptoms for a period of time to make a final diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Some of the following tests and procedures may be recommended by the medical team:

• Recording medical history and doing a neurological exam 
• Analysis of cognitive abilities like thinking and mental abilities, senses, coordination, and reflexes
• Blood and lab tests
• Imaging tests, such as an MRI, brain ultrasound and PET scan
• A specific single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan
• Genetic testing if there is a known family history of Parkinson's disease or if you have early-onset disease
• A short, low-dose treatment of medicines is given. If significant improvement in symptoms is seen then diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can be confirmed
• Regular appointments with neurologists trained in movement disorders for symptom analysis
• Alpha-synuclein test for detecting Parkinson's disease before symptoms appear 

Read Also: Top most Neurological Disorders and their symptoms

Parkinson Disease Treatment Strategies

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, medications can help to manage its symptoms. For most of the patients medications are highly effective. Some patients may undergo surgery when medication is no longer effective. Your doctor may also recommend speech therapy, aerobic exercises that focus on improving flexibility, balancing, and physical activity. Following are the main treatment strategies for managing Parkinson’s Disease:

Medicines

Medication may help with tremor, walking, and mobility issues. The drug therapy for Parkinson’s disease tends to increase or substitute dopamine in the brain. Brain dopamine levels decline in Parkinson's disease patients. However, dopamine cannot be administered directly because it cannot reach the brain from the blood due blood brain barrier. Once you begin treatment, your symptoms may considerably improve. In most cases, medications continue to effectively manage symptoms, though the efficacy of medicines may diminish with time.

Surgeries

Deep Brain Stimulation:

Electrodes are inserted into the brain during deep brain stimulation, or DBS. A pacemaker-like device that is placed beneath the skin on the chest is then linked to the electrodes. A power source that is positioned in the chest close to the collarbone is connected to the electrodes. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease improve when electrical pulses from the external power source reach the brain. When it comes to treating severe tremor and managing dyskinesia—involuntary muscle movements—DBS can be quite beneficial.

Advanced Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease

MRgFUS, or MRI-guided focused ultrasound, is a minimally invasive treatment that helps certain Parkinson's disease patients manage their tremor. An ultrasound is guided to the parts of the brain where tremor begins using an MRI. These areas are burned by the extremely high temperature of the ultrasonic waves.

Parkinson’s Exercises

Parkinson's often renders it difficult to carry out daily tasks. However, you may be able to walk and move around more comfortably with very basic stretches and exercises. Yoga uses targeted muscle movement to build muscle, increase mobility, and improve flexibility. Even yoga can help patients with Parkinson’s to manage tremors.

Conclusion

The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unclear to experts. It is a lifelong disorder of the nervous system that can be controlled with medication and lifestyle modifications. 

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or experiencing symptoms of the disease and are looking forward to the best treatment options to manage it, then reach out to our expert neurologists at Eternal Hospital. Book your consultation now!

FAQs

Q1: What is the best advice for Parkinson's patients?
A: Eat healthy, take sound sleep, manage your stresses, stay physically active, and stay in touch with your neurologists. 

Q2: What is the best exercise for Parkinson's disease?
A: According to Parkinson's Foundation, the patient should follow an exercise regime of aerobic, strength, and balance training, along with stretching. 

Q3: Is Parkinson’s curable?
A: There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet, but several effective treatments help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.