At the University of Chicago Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program, our experts understand that effective care is customized to the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. As an Information and Referral Center of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and a Center of Care for CurePSP, we specialize in the treatment and management of complicated and rare movement disorders, as well as symptoms of progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Our movement disorder specialists strive to provide high-quality care, state-of-the-art research and the latest education for patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor and other movement disorders.
Conditions We Treat:
- Ataxia
- Blepharospasm
- Chorea
- Cortical basal degeneration (CBD)
- Dystonia
- Dyskinesias
- Essential tremor
- Hemifacial spasm
- Huntington's disease (HD)
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
- Myoclonus
- Parkinson's disease (PD)
- Parkinsonian syndrome
- Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
- Tics
- Tourette syndrome (TS)
- Rett syndrome
- Wilson's disease
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that causes impaired or involuntary movements and can affect behavior, mood and other non-motor functions of the body. PD is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. Diagnosis usually occurs after age 55, though early onset at a younger age is also possible.
Parkinson's disease is caused by the progressive loss of a certain type of neuron cells in the brain. This results in a shortage of the chemical messenger called dopamine, which is important for controlling the body’s motor functions.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
- Tremor, most commonly starting in the hands but can also occur in the tongue, jaw and legs
- Stiff or rigid muscles (spasticity)
- Slow movement (bradykinesia)
- Decreased vocal volume
- Lack of facial expression
- Abnormally small handwriting (micrographia)
- Shuffling gait (an impaired walk, as if the feet are stuck to the floor)
- Decreased arm movement when walking
- Difficulty with balance, posture or gait, which may result in falls
PD symptoms can often be controlled with medication alone, or with a combination of medication and surgical intervention, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), for patients who meet certain criteria. The extent to which symptoms can be reduced depends on each patient’s individual circumstances. At UChicago Medicine, our goal is to improve symptoms so our patients can enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor, also known as benign familial tremor, is the most common movement disorder. Characterized by uncontrollable shaking, essential tremor progresses slowly. It is distinctly different from Parkinson’s disease, although commonly misdiagnosed. Some patients may have essential tremor and PD.
Symptoms of Essential Tremor
- Difficulty with precise tasks (threading a needle)
- Excessive shaking in hands
- Inability to dress or feed yourself
- Shaking in tongue
- Shaking in arms
- Tremor in voice
- Tremor in neck
Treatment plans for essential tremor may involve medication, surgery or a combination of both. Initial treatment often includes propranolol or primidone, which are medications that have proven effective in about half of patients. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is a highly effective treatment option for patients who are eligible candidates.
Parkinson’s Disease Information and Referral Center
The University of Chicago Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program supports the mission and values of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). The APDA recognizes UChicago Medicine as an Information and Referral Center. The APDA provides a dedicated coordinator to help patients with Parkinson’s live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder.
Living with Parkinson’s disease goes beyond a diagnosis. The Information and Referral Center is a resource for patients, loved ones and health care providers. We want to help patients throughout their treatment, but also, to connect them to a supportive local and national APDA community.
American Parkinson Disease Association Resources:
- Virtual events for health, wellness and education
- Activities at home
- Education on Parkinson’s disease
- Education on early onset Parkinson’s disease
- The ADPA symptom tracker app
- Education on treatment and medication options
CurePSP Center of Care Resources:
APDA Support Groups
For questions or to sign up for a group, contact Nicole Reidy at 1-773-834-1688 or nicole.reidy@uchicagomedicine.org.
What: This group combines education, enrichment and exercise for those who have Parkinson’s disease. The exercise sessions include dance, yoga, physical therapy and rock steady boxing led by licensed professionals. The educational sessions include a variety of speakers including neurologists Dr. Xie and Dr. Padmanaban, a physical therapist, a speech/swallow therapist and a nutritionist.
When: The first and third Monday of each month from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST.
Where: Zoom
What: This group is for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease along with their care partner.
When: The fourth Tuesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST.
Where: Zoom
What: PRESS™ is an eight-week closed group for those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the past five years along with their care partner. This group provides education, support and a clear understanding of ways to plan and care for yourself throughout your diagnosis.
When: Bi-yearly and registration is required
Where: Zoom
