Parkinson’s Disease (PD): Understanding, Managing & Living Better

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You’re Still in Control.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming - but you’re not alone. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. It develops when brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that controls smooth movement, begin to decline.

While Parkinson’s is progressive, many people live active, fulfilling lives for years with the right combination of medication, lifestyle support, and advanced therapies. Today, even incision-free treatments can help manage symptoms more effectively.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s primarily affects how your body moves, but it can also influence energy, balance, and emotional health.

Common symptoms include:

Tremors, often beginning in one hand at rest

Slowness of movement, making daily tasks take longer

Muscle stiffness or rigidity, limiting flexibility

Imbalance or coordination difficulties

Changes in handwriting, speech, or facial expression

How Is Parkinson’s Treated?

Parkinson’s treatment is highly individualized. Your neurologist tailors it to your stage, symptoms, and lifestyle goals.

First-Line Treatments: Medications

Most people start with medications that replace or mimic dopamine.

Levodopa: Commonly used for blood pressure, they can help calm tremors.
Dopamine Agonists: Regulate nerve signals that trigger shaking.
MAO-B Inhibitors: Used when stress or anxiety makes tremors worse.
Botulinum (Botox) Injections Can help relax overactive muscles in the head or voice.

Over time, these medicines may need adjustment. Some people experience “wearing-off” effects (when symptoms return before the next dose) or side effects like involuntary movements, dizziness, or fatigue.

That’s when doctors explore advanced therapies to maintain smooth and lasting symptom control.

Advanced Treatment Options

When medications no longer provide consistent relief, your neurologist may discuss Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) as next-step therapies. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS).

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

DBS involves implanting fine electrodes in specific brain regions that deliver continuous electrical impulses to stabilize movement. It’s adjustable and effective, especially for long-term management – though it requires surgery and implanted hardware.

Incisionless Innovation: MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

For some individuals with Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease, there’s now a non-surgical alternative – MRgFUS.

How it works:

Uses high-intensity ultrasound waves, guided in real time by MRI, to precisely target a small area of the brain responsible for tremors.
The focused energy interrupts the abnormal signals that cause tremor.
Entirely incisionless, performed in an MRI suite, and typically allows same-day discharge.

Benefits of MRgFUS:

No scalpels, no implants, no radiation

Often immediate improvement in tremor symptoms

Outpatient procedure with rapid recovery

Precision ensured through continuous MRI feedback

Who Can Benefit from MRgFUS?

You may be a candidate if you:

Have Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease not well controlled by medication
Are not suitable or prefer to avoid invasive surgery
Have tremor mostly on one side of the body
Can safely undergo MRI imaging

Your care team will perform an MRI and skull-density assessment to confirm eligibility.

What to Expect During Treatment

Step 1: Pre-procedure MRI and planning

Step 2: Gradual delivery of focused ultrasound energy while monitoring tremor response in real time

Step 3: Post-treatment MRI and short observation period

Step 4: Go home the same day – most patients resume light activities soon after

Life After MRgFUS

Many patients experience long-lasting relief from tremor and regain confidence in everyday tasks. Follow-up visits help track progress, fine-tune rehabilitation, and ensure sustained outcomes.

Even after treatment, your neurologist may recommend physiotherapy, speech therapy, or lifestyle adjustments to support mobility and strength.

Your Next Step

If tremor or movement symptoms from Parkinson’s are affecting your quality of life, it’s time to explore incision-free possibilities.

Find out if you’re a candidate for incisionless tremor treatment.

Check Your Eligibility for MRgFUS

Plan a visit to a center with established MRgFUS treatment, take the first step toward healing.

Find a Treatment Center Near You

Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Consult your neurologist or movement-disorder specialist to determine the best treatment plan for you.