Specialities | Neurorehabilitation | Parkinson’s Disease
Neurorehabilitation
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that belongs to what we call “Movement Disorders”. It is a chronic and progressive neurological disease.
Treatment characteristics
These are some of the signs and symptoms:
- Tremors and/or involuntary movements
- Slowed movements
- Muscle rigidity
- Impaired posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements such as blinking, smiling or swallowing
- Changes in speech – both in tone and in language; may insult or hesitate before speaking
- Writing difficulties
- Depression or emotional changes can also occur because of failure to understand what is happening
People at risk are usually men over 60 years old or those patients with a family history of Parkinson’s, among others.
Depending on the severity of the disease, treatments can range from drug therapy to surgery.
Parkinson’s disease usually involves involuntary movements and rigidity, walking difficulties, speech difficulties as well as loss of automatic and acquired skills – the person suffering from these symptoms must undergo various forms of therapy to assist in the recovery of the diminished abilities. Some treatments required could be; physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others. All of them coordinated by a multidisciplinary team that will focus on achieving the best possible recovery according to the severity of the damage.
The most effective, non-invasive treatment for the reduction of of tremors caused Parkinson’s disease is the HIFU technique. The target is located by means of an MRI scan and the neurosurgeon begins to use an ultrasound that gradually increases in intensity, depending on the patient’s improvement until the maximum effect is achieved. Everything is done while the patient is awake.
The outcome varies depending on the severity of the condition, but generally there is a significant improvement in the control of most symptoms. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but many patients find relief from the worst symptoms.
Since this treatment is not to cure but to control the disease, you can stay in Spain as long as you consider necessary.
During the first month, the medical team will evaluate you and give you the first appropriate measures and exercises. Depending on the length of your stay, the medical team will re-evaluate and give you new recommendations for your treatment.
The process is hard and slow for the patient and their loved ones.
Treatment itinerary
Before treatment
- Check that you have prepared all the personal documentation (credit card, cash, passport, Identity Card...), medical (reports, prescriptions, images...) and travel (confirmation of accommodation booking, travel tickets...)
- If you take medication of any kind not related to the surgery, do not forget to take with you the necessary amount for your stay in Spain, as well as the medical prescription that will allow you to travel with it without problems.
During treatment
- Once you are in Spain, you will have to make an appointment with your specialist. During this visit, the doctor will open your medical record (for which you will be asked to provide all your medical documentation), perform a physical examination and tell you if any further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- If the surgeon has told you to stop taking any medication a few days before the surgery, such as anticoagulants, please do not forget to follow the exact instructions given by the doctor or you will not be able to have the treatment!
- If the surgeon has told you to stop taking any medication a few days before the surgery, such as anticoagulants, please do not forget to follow the exact instructions given by the doctor or you will not be able to have the operation!
After treatment
- When the treatment in Spain is finished, our professionals provide a series of guidelines to continue your therapy at home.
- Remember that your recovery time will vary depending on your age, your physical condition, your lifestyle habits and your attitude!
- Keep in mind that your successful recovery also depends on you!