Parkinson's Disease Care in Tampa

You may recognize the most common symptom of Parkinson's disease: tremors. Tremors can be a sign of a genetic condition or a temporary side effect of certain medications. But if you also experience stiffness, difficulty balancing, or abnormally slow movement, they might indicate something more serious. While there’s no definitive exam to diagnose Parkinson’s, our neurological experts can eliminate other causes of your tremors by conducting a number of screenings and tests, including:

• Blood Panels
• Imaging Tests Like CT Scans and MRIs
• Physical and Neurological Exams
• Trial Dose of Levodopa, a Medication Known to Help Relieve PD Symptoms

Your symptoms have undoubtedly raised some questions. Rely on the experts at AdventHealth Tampa, formerly Florida Hospital Tampa, to help you uncover the answers.

Your ability to find relief from your Parkinson’s symptoms begins with the power of knowledge. The specialists at AdventHealth Tampa have the information you need to help you move forward with confidence. Most common in people over 60, Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than one-million Americans. It is a slow-moving, degenerative condition that occurs when nerves in the brain that produce chemicals to help you move are damaged. Parkinson’s is different for everyone, progressing in stages. Because your condition is unique to you, we’ll create a Parkinson's treatment plan that meets your whole-person needs, helping you find relief in body, mind, and spirit.

If some of your Parkinson's disease symptoms seem to worsen — things like constantly wringing your hands, repeating facial gestures, or blinking excessively — you may be facing a condition called dyskinesia. Related to Parkinson’s, dyskinesia is caused by long-term use of the PD medication Levodopa. Your team will monitor you and your symptoms closely, adjusting your medications to eliminate or impede unwanted side effects. Your comfort is our priority. We help you achieve it by tailoring our care to you, adapting at every step to help you live your best possible life.

You enjoy being active and approaching life with vim and vigor. Your energy will go a long way in helping you manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as one of the most effective treatments for this condition is exercise. Things like jogging, lifting weights, swimming, and dancing can help relax your muscles and increase your strength. And if you need a guiding hand, we provide comprehensive therapy services to help you develop a plan to keep moving. Your team can also help calm your Parkinson's symptoms with a range of medications, including:

• Anticholinergics That Reduce Tremors in About Half of Cases
• COMT Inhibitors That Also Help Slow the Breakdown of Dopamine
• Dopamine Agonists
• Levodopa (L-Dopa), the Primary Medication for Parkinson’s
• MAO-B Inhibitors That Prevent the Breakdown of Dopamine in the Brain

If helping you find relief requires more than physical activity and medication, we may suggest a specialized minimally invasive surgery. Called deep brain stimulation, this procedure can impede the nerve signals that generate tremors. However serious your symptoms, we’ll find the Parkinson's treatment that’s right for you, develop a plan to continuously monitor your progress, and provide support to help you live each day with a calmer mind and stronger spirit. It’s all part of our dedication to your whole-person care.