By Irene Malaty M.D. 1.) My doctor says I have tics. Does that mean I have Tourette syndrome (TS)? Not everyone that has tics has Tourette syndrome. Tics are sudden recurrent non-rhythmic stereotypical movements or vocalizations that a person makes. Most typically, a person experiences an urge…
Natlada Limotai, a fellow at the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders & Neurorestoration, published an important paper on addiction-like manifestations in Parkinson’s disease. The data is drawn from a 9 year experience and reveals important information for patients and clinicians using Parkinson’s disease medications. Dr. Limotai has recently…
The students are displaying the “balls” used for Halloween themed tennis exercise The UF Occupational Therapy students have been given a special opportunity to host our weekly group exercise class for Parkinson’s patients. Last week…
We would like to thank the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Sunshine Eagles #4518, for recently donating $2000 to the Center. The donation efforts on behalf of Parkinson disease were headed up by Terri Cole (pictured on right) and supported by Eagles 4518 President, Edward Kellar. The Sunshine Eagles 4518 are truly a truly wonderful and generous group here in…
What are the problems/challenges of stem cells for Parkinson’s disease that are keeping it from becoming a major treatment? There are significant problems with stem cells as a potential savior therapy for Parkinson’s disease. First, when you take a cell and make it divide you must be able to turn…
On Saturday, December 10, 2011 @ 8:30AM, our Dystonia and Parkinson’s communities will once again race this 5K/15K route at Hawthorne Trail to raise funds to benefit research. BAG & CHIP pick-up: December 9, 5:30-7:30 at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney on NW 8th Avenue (for info, please call…
What are dyskinesias and how can I manage them? Dyskinesias are abnormal, involuntary movements that occur in response to repeated dopamine-replacement therapy (Brotchie 2005; Olanow 2001). Sometimes, they can be debilitating. These motor complications are typically “choreiform”. Chorea comes from the Greek word meaning “to dance”, so the dyskinesias looks…
What is the best test for my doctor to order to diagnose Parkinson’s disease? There is no reliable blood test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The best way to make a diagnosis is to have a neurological examination by someone experienced in the care of Parkinson’s disease patients. There are diagnostic…
6 Things Every Family and Sufferer Need to Know about PSP How do I know if I have PSP and not just Parkinson disease or “Parkinsonism?” Parkinsonism actually is not a diagnosis, but rather what we doctors use to describe the classic symptoms of Parkinson disease. These include 1)…
These are quick tips to work on with your doctor in case of acute worrisome hallucinations and psychosis in the setting of Parkinson’s disease: Check for a urinary tract infection or pneumonia Consider the medication list and consider that medications may be the underlying cause, or contributing to the cause…
