Parkinson's & Movement Disorders
The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders program at Powers Health takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients throughout Northwest Indiana. We combine the expertise of our fellowship-trained neurology and neurosurgery specialists with the support of our nurses, therapists and social service professionals to help you regain your quality of life.
When movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor disease and dystonia begin to interfere with a patient’s daily activities despite medical management, our program offers the latest Duopa treatment and deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques to help. Our program is designed to restore your health so you can return to your everyday lifestyle.
Deep brain stimulation is a procedure for patients with movement disorders whose symptoms cannot be controlled by medication. DBS uses a special device to deliver electrical signals to the brain in the areas that control movement. The team at Powers Health uses the most advanced DBS system available.
The DBS system consists of lead wires placed into the brain and a neurostimulator that is placed under the skin, usually near the collarbone. Once the two are connected, electric pulses are delivered by the neurostimulator into the brain through the leads, redirecting electrical signals that cause symptoms of movement disorder diseases.
DBS is used as a treatment for several conditions, including:
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- Essential tremor
- Parkinson's disease
For patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease who are prescribed orally administered carbidopa and levodopa, Duopa™ provides a treatment option. As Parkinson’s disease progresses, periods of motor fluctuations may increase. Additionally, patients may experience unpredictable emptying of the stomach, which can delay the absorption of medication.
Duopa administers a continuous dose of carbidopa and levodopa straight into the intestine over a 16-hour period through a special pump, bypassing the stomach. The direct administration of the medication helps to maintain a continuous dose of the medication, which may significantly reduce symptoms.