Movement Disorders
Parkinson's Disease Neurologist
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that typically develops gradually and may begin with a rest tremor, slowness, stiffness, smaller handwriting, reduced arm swing or a change in walking. Non-motor symptoms — constipation, reduced sense of smell, acting out dreams during sleep, mood change — often precede motor symptoms by years.
Symptoms that prompt evaluation
- Tremor at rest, often starting on one side
- Slowness of movement and reduced dexterity
- Muscle stiffness or aching, often one-sided
- Shuffling steps, reduced arm swing or shorter stride
- Softer voice or smaller handwriting
- Acting out dreams during sleep
How Parkinson's disease is evaluated
- Detailed history including non-motor symptoms and medication review
- Neurological examination focused on tremor, tone, speed and gait
- Review of medications that can cause parkinsonism
- Brain imaging when needed to look for other causes
- Specialized imaging in selected diagnostically uncertain cases
- Response to treatment as part of the diagnostic picture
Treatment and management
Medication is individualized to symptoms, function and age, and is adjusted over time. Management also addresses constipation, sleep, blood pressure changes, mood and cognition, since these often affect quality of life as much as motor symptoms.
Referral to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy is common, and advanced treatment options are discussed when symptoms are no longer well controlled with medication alone.
Exercise and Parkinson's disease
Exercise is not an optional add-on in Parkinson's disease — it is part of treatment. Regular aerobic exercise, resistance training, and activities that challenge balance, amplitude and rhythm are consistently associated with better mobility and function.
Programs that emphasize large, vigorous movements, cycling, treadmill walking, boxing-style classes, dance and structured balance work are widely used. The right program depends on current fitness, balance and other medical conditions, and should be started with guidance to reduce fall risk.
Fall prevention
- Balance and gait assessment
- Strength training for hips, legs and trunk
- Home safety review
- Review of medications that cause lightheadedness
- Vision and footwear check
Frequently asked questions
- How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
- Diagnosis is clinical: history, examination and course over time, with medication review and imaging used to exclude other causes. There is no single blood test that establishes it.
- Is every tremor Parkinson's disease?
- No. Essential tremor, medication-induced tremor and thyroid or anxiety-related tremor are common alternatives, and the pattern of tremor helps distinguish them.
- How much exercise is recommended?
- General guidance is at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus strength and balance work, adjusted for individual limitations. Recommendations should be tailored when balance, cardiac or orthopedic problems are present.
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
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Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
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