Specialties & Services

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be different for everyone. From diagnosis to treatment, our neurologists and movement disorder specialists provide the advanced care you need to manage your individual symptoms and live your best life.

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Why choose us for Parkinson’s disease care?

BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver exceptional care. We use the latest technologies to provide effective Parkinson’s disease treatment. Our research efforts allow us to continually provide innovative care in discovery and application of new treatments.

You benefit from:

Leading-edge treatments: We are the first to offer many of the most advanced drugs and surgical options available for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, including those approved by the FDA, and those approved for clinical trial.
Expert neurosurgery: The Neuroscience Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a top center in the U.S. in terms of the number of deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures performed. Our specialists have used DBS to treat hundreds of patients with Parkinson’s disease, helping them return to many of their usual activities with reduced need for medication. This center is also the only in Missouri to offer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HiFu), an incisionless surgery to treat tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.
World-class research: In addition to providing care, WashU Medicine physicians research innovative ways to diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease.
Multispecialty team: We offer a multidisciplinary approach to care by bringing together a team of experts to treat your individual needs safely and effectively. Your team includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, and pharmacists working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan. These experts include nationally recognized subspecialists in movement disorders, like Parkinson’s disease, who are known for treating complex cases.
Personalized care: Our personalized approach to care ensures that your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met in the most coordinated, compassionate manner possible. Our physical and occupational therapists are trained in innovative programs like Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®), meaning each session is designed to meet your personal interests and goals.
Access to clinical trials: BJC and WashU Medicine bring science-backed care to you. With WashU Medicine’s leading-edge clinical trials, you can access new research and treatments that aren’t widely available.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition resulting from low levels of a brain chemical called dopamine. It can lead to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, including:

Slowed movement
Stiff muscles
Tremors
Balance problems
Constipation or urinary problems
Depression
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Fatigue
Loss of smell
Sleep disorders
Thinking and memory problems

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to diagnose. There’s no single blood or imaging test that accurately detects the condition. Our specialists work with you to get answers quickly so you can start targeted treatment as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease may involve a complete exam, a discussion of symptoms, and a complete review of medical history.

Additional tests, mainly to rule out other possible conditions, may include:

Blood and other lab tests

These tests can help determine potential causes of symptoms.

Computed tomography (CT) scan

A helpful test for diagnosing various conditions that uses X-ray technology to create detailed images of the body.

Genetic testing

Genetics can play a role in Parkinson’s disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A powerful medical imaging test for diagnosing conditions that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the brain’s structure.

Positron emission tomography (PET scan)

An imaging test used to examine chemicals in the brain that can help diagnose neurological disorders.

Dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography

A nuclear brain imaging test that determines dopamine levels.

Treatments for Parkinson's disease

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are many ways to help control it, manage symptoms, and slow its progression. We treat each person with Parkinson’s disease individually. We know each patient’s symptoms, overall health, and treatment goals are unique. Our specialists work together to customize your unique care plan.

Treatment options include:

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

This surgical treatment uses implanted electrodes to stimulate areas of the brain that control movement.

High-Intensity focused ultrasound (HiFU)

HiFu is an incisionless surgical procedure that treats tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.

LSVT BIG

LSVT BIG is a physical therapy option that focuses on relearning certain movements in the body, resulting in improved independence and overall safety.

LSVT LOUD

LSVT LOUD is a highly specialized and clinically proven speech therapy method for treating voice and speech disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Medication management

Several prescription medications treat Parkinson’s disease, and this is typically the first line of treatment. These medicines help adjust dopamine levels in the brain.

Occupational therapy

Modifying home and daily tasks to help you maintain your independence and safety.