Best Neurologists In Edmonton Ab
Expert recommended Top 3 Neurologists in Edmonton, AB. All of our neurologists actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence. You deserve only the best!
DR. NORBERT WITT
10816 124 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H3 Directions
Since 1979
Heres The Deal:Dr. Norbert Witt is a skilled neurologist in Edmonton, AB, who obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alberta in 1979. He has a wide range of experience in dealing with the most complicated neurological problems. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the brain and other related defects. He also works as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta. Dr. Norbert also performs Electroencephalography, Electromyography, and Evoked Potential . Dr. Norbert Witt always cares about his patients, and he guides them to recover from their illnesses through his effective medication. Dr. N J Witt makes a flexible schedule for his patients treatments.
SPECIALTY:Back Pain, Bells Palsy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Headache, Alzheimers, Dementia, Huntingtons and Infectious Diseases, Migraine, Cephalic & Movement Disorders
DR. KENNETH G. MAKUS EDMONTON SPECIALISTS CLINIC
625 Parsons Road Southwest, Unit 201, Edmonton, AB T6X 0N9 Directions
Since 1994
License #023034
What Are Some Of The More Typical Movement Disorders
ATAXIA
Ataxia is a term used to describe a lack of muscle coordination or control of voluntary movement, making movements like walking, swallowing and speaking difficult. It is usually a sign of another underlying condition such as stroke, a tumor or cerebral palsy.
DYSTONIA
With dystonia, the muscles contract involuntarily, resulting in twisting or repetitive movements. The spasmswhich can range from mild to severecan affect:
- One part of the body
- Two or more adjoining parts of the body
ESSENTIAL TREMOR
Essential tremor is an involuntary shaking of body parts including the hands, arms, legs, jaw or tongue that is especially noticeable when the body is at rest. It is a well-known symptom of Parkinsons disease another movement disorder.
HUNTINGTONS DISEASE
Also known as Huntingtons chorea, Huntingtons disease is an inherited disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to gradually break down. As a result, mental, behavioral and physical decline occurs over time, including impairment of voluntary and involuntary movements of the body.
PARKINSONS DISEASE
Parkinsons disease causes the deterioration of nerve cells in a specific part of the brain, causing a deficiency of dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that enables communication among the brain cells that control motor function. The death of the nerve cells that produce dopamine results in the motor symptoms associated with the disease.
TOURETTE SYNDROME
Medications For Parkinsons Disease
After youve received a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease, your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the diseases progression at the time you were diagnosed. Current pharmaceutical treatments include:
- Levodopa is a primary treatment for movement, tremors, and stiffness. Levodopa helps nerve cells make dopamine. This medication is also taken with carbidopa so that levodopa can reach the brain and stop or reduce side effects from the drug, such as vomiting, nausea, and low blood pressure.
- Dopamine agonists mimic dopamine in the brain but are not as effective as levodopa in controlling symptoms like muscle movement and rigidity.
- Catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors block an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. They are taken with levodopa and slow the bodys ability to get rid of levodopa.
- MAO B inhibitors block monoamine oxidase B , a brain enzyme that breaks down dopamine. This allows dopamine to have longer-lasting effects.
- Anticholinergics aid in reducing tremors and muscle stiffness.
- Amantadine was first developed as an antiviral agent and can reduce involuntary movements caused by levodopa.
- Istradefylline is an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist. It is used for people taking carbidopa and levodopa but who experience off symptoms.
These drugs can have a variety of side effects. Be sure to discuss your medications with your doctor so you understand how and when to take them, what side effects may occur, and when to report any concerning side effects.
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What To Expect At Your Appointment
At your first appointment at CentraStates Movement Disorder Program, youll meet with a physical therapist at the OceanFirst Rehabilitation Center to review your medical history and undergo a screening that checks your balance, strength, and cognitive function. Next, youll meet with Jia Zhen Cheng, MD, who will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination. She also may order diagnostic tests, which can include:
- Blood tests, which may include genetic testing
- MRIs or CT scans
- A DaTscan, an innovative imaging technique available at CentraState that can help distinguish Parkinsons disease from conditions like essential tremors and drug-induced Parkinsonism
Once testing is complete, Dr. Cheng will review the results with you, provide insight on next steps, and work with the OceanFirst Rehabilitation Center team and other medical specialties as needed to develop a customized treatment plan.
Working With Your Care Team
Once you have chosen members of your care team how can you best interact with them? You and your team want the same thing: They want to give you the best possible care they can and you want to receive the best care available. Why then do so many persons with PD not get the best possible care available? One reason is that communication between patient and care team breaks down.
How can you keep the communication lines between you and your healthcare team open? Here are a few tips.
For every visit to a health professional try to have the following information written down so that you can hand it over to the secretary instead of having to repeat it ad infinitum:
- Insurance information and member number
- Date of birth social security number
- Current medications, including over the counter medications and any nutritional supplements you use, the dose you take, and the purpose of the medication
- Known allergies or adverse reactions to medications or common medical equipment
- Current health problems and dates of onset
Dont forget that medication errors are all too common. You should learn a few ideas to reduce the chance of a medication error.
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Princeton Care Center Specializes In Parkinsons Disease Rehabilitation
Parkinsons Disease is a chronic degenerative movement disorder that effects approximately one million people. It is the most common movement disorder and second most common neurodegenerative disorder in The United States.
The staff at Princeton Care Center understand that individuals diagnosed with PD have particular needs and do best when programs are in place that can provide the specialized care needed to ease the burden of living with PD and provide the best treatment and rehabilitation available.
The team at Princeton Care Center has gone through specialized training to provide world class care and rehabilitation specific for people with PD in both our Sub Acute Rehabilitation Unit and Long Term Care Facility. Our nurses, certified nursing aids, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapists, and recreation staff have all completed training on how to best help individuals manage their care.
Our Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapist are certified in the LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD modalities for treating patients with PD. Our rehab staff members are part of an elite group of 15,000 therapists in 54 countries specially trained to provide the most beneficial rehabilitation available.
The overall goal is to not only preserve, but improve physical ability so that independence and an active life style can be maintained.
Please contact us to answer any questions and to arrange for a tour.
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For Parkinsons Disease Patients Going To The Hospital
Individuals with Parkinsons Disease must take medications on their schedulenot according to hospital routine or convenience. If they do not receive medications on their specific timetable, they may experience breakthrough symptoms. In consultation with medical experts and the medical centers Parkinsons Disease Patient Family Advisory Council, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center offers the following tips for Parkinsons Disease patients who go to the ER or are admitted to the hospital:
- Bring a list of all medications including dosages and specific times you take them.
- Bring contact information for the neurologist or movement specialist who is treating your Parkinsons.
- If possible, pack Parkinsons medications in the original packaging for use if they are not available in the hospital pharmacy.
- Verbalize or have a list of key symptoms you experience when medications are wearing off, so the staff is fully aware of what to look out for when doing assessments.
- Bring an emergency contact list, your contact information and, if applicable, a health care proxy card or living will.
- Ensure physical therapy is ordered during a hospital stay to prevent muscle de-conditioning.
- Dont hesitate to advocate for yourself.
For more information, or to make an appointment with one of our specialists, please call.
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Oladotun A Okunola Md
Dr. Okunola joined the prestigious Neurology group, Neuroscience Center of Northern New Jersey, to provide a variety of specialized care. He specializes in epilepsy, clinical neurophysiology, and sleep medicine.
Dr. Okunola completed medical school at Howard University College of Medicine. He stayed and completed his internship and neurology residency at Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC.
He received fellowship training in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC.
He also completed a sleep medicine fellowship at Norwalk Hospital, Connecticut. As part of his fellowship training in clinical physiology/epilepsy, he focused on intraoperative and epilepsy monitoring EEG and EMG.
As a sleep specialist, he diagnoses and treats sleep related disorders such as daytime sleepiness , insomnia, narcolepsy, obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea, etc. Dr. Okunola is board-certified in both adult neurology and clinical neurophysiology. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Neurology.
Whats New In Parkinsons Treatment
We dont focus on how to cure Parkinsons. We focus on how to address the early warning Signs of Parkinsons disease such as tremors, loss of smell, trouble sleeping, stiffness walking, constipation, dizziness, poor posture, and poor appetite.
HealABILITY is a Neurobiomedicine Functional Restoration Program, based on pioneered research by Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Amy Myers in Functional Medicine, that identifies 8 root causes of neuro- degeneration and puts in place a custom treatment plan to prevent further decline and restore energy, movement, and other functions for patients in the Early stages of Parkinsons disease to mid stage Parkinsons .
Let Dr. Farley and his incredible staff help you find solutions and treatments that you didnt know existed. Treatment for Parkinsons disease, and treatment of Parkinsonism are just some of the treatments we specialize in.
Please contact us today to see why Dr. James Farley is one the most sought out thyroid specialists and doctors specializing in Parkinson disease in the country. We look forward to answering any questions you have. We are here to help.
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Look For A Parkinsons Specialist
Both general neurologists and movement disorders specialists care for people living with Parkinsons. It takes about 12 years in the U.S. to become a general neurologist a doctor who works with brain and central nervous system conditions. This includes a four-year undergraduate college degree, four years in medical school and three to four more years of specialized training in a neurology residency. General neurologists typically work in a hospital, or private or group practice. Some neurologists treat many people with Parkinsons and are knowledgeable about the disease. However, most neurologists have diverse practices, of which PD represents only a small percent.
Most movement disorders specialists are neurologists who have completed another one or two years of movement disorders training, a neurology sub-specialty. Movement disorders specialists may see patients in a private practice or at university medical centers. They often perform clinical or basic science research in addition to caring for patients. They may also teach doctors who are becoming specialists.People with Parkinsons may constitute 50 percent or more of a specialists practice. With this level of experience, a movement disorders specialist will be more familiar with the range of available Parkinsons medications, how they work and possible side effects. A movement disorders specialist is also more likely to discuss the role of clinical trials.
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About The American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinsons disease and works tirelessly to assist the more than 1 million Americans with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $170 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease.
To join us in the fight against Parkinsons disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us atwww.apdaparkinson.org.
Patient Stories
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Miraculously, I regained all movement and speech
David
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It was like turning on a light switch. Literally the next day, my voice was almost back to normal.
Mike
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Healability: Preservation Of Health And Wellness Through The Promotion Of Well
Dr. James Farley is a world renowned parkinsons expert. He authored Creating healAbility for the Parkinsons to help those looking for answers for their parkinsons issues.
Cambridge Brain Sciences
Nationally Recognized Treatments
Some of Our Treatments & Technologies Seen On NIMI, PubMed, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, The Dr. Oz Show, Discovery Channel
What Are Some Treatments For Movement Disorders
In many cases, movement disorders can be managed with a variety of medications, including Botox injections. Physical or occupational therapy may also be a part of the multidisciplinary approach to care for these conditions.
Unfortunately, medications may also become less effective over time, especially if the disease is progressive. Surgical interventionsuch as deep brain stimulation forParkinsons diseasemay become necessary if other treatment modalities fail.
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Getting To A Movement Disorder Specialist
If you live in a rural area or have difficulty traveling, it may be challenging to find or visit a movement disorder specialist. One option might be to travel to see a movement disorder specialist once or twice a year and follow up with a local general neurologist or primary care doctor more frequently. Any time spent with a specialist may be helpful.
Technology, too, may help. Some hospitals and services can connect you with a Parkinson’s specialist without you having to leave your home. Parkinson’s Disease Care New York, for example, offers people in the state of New York video calls through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a movement disorder specialist, a neurologist or a Parkinson’s-trained nurse at no cost. Ask your doctor or support group about telemedicine opportunities.
Be Part of the Answer
You have the power to impact your future and the future of millions living with Parkinson’s disease. Explore clinical research participation today.
Clinical Trials And Research For Parkinsons Disease And Movement Disorders
Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only a few U.S. medical centers participating in the RESTORE-1 Phase 2 clinical study, an investigational gene therapy trial for patients with Parkinsons disease. Hooman Azmi, M.D., director of the Division of Movement Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Centers Neuroscience Institute, performed the first surgery to place a one-time AADC gene into a specific part of the brain to stimulate dopamine production in October 2019. Learn more.
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Tips To Consider Before Your First Appointment
Seeing a movement disorder specialist does not have to occur on a regular basis, especially if the closest specialist is far away. However, this specialist may be able to help in creating an effective treatment plan. Before heading to your first appointment with a movement disorder specialist, there are a few tips to consider:
- Chart recent symptoms in order to provide your new specialist with an accurate picture of what has been going on.
- Bring, or write down, all medications you are currently taking.
- Create a list of questions for your new provider, as well as bring a notepad and pen to write down any answer you may receive.
- Bring a friend or loved one with you as an extra set of eyes and ears. Your loved one may also have their own questions that theyd like answered, especially if they also serve as your caregiver.
- Be prepared for tests and exams that may take a few hours to complete.3
As with any provider, if you do not feel supported or heard when visiting a movement disorder specialist, it is completely acceptable to visit another until you find the right fit. Although movement disorder specialists can be harder to find than some other specialists, finding the right provider for you may be worth the search.
Expert Care In Movement Disorders
Most patients with a movement disorder take at least one oral medication. Our neurologists spend almost all of their time treating patients with movement disorders, providing the experience required to optimize your medication dosages.
Jefferson Health offers a newer form of therapy called Duopa an improved form of carbidopa/levodopa for patients who experience long off periods on oral medication. Duopa involves placing a tube that leads to the small intestine, called a J-tube. A device releases carbidopa/levodopa into your intestine on a small but constant basis. For many patients, this reduces fluctuation in motor symptoms.
We also provide an expert chemodenervation clinic. Chemodenervation can help with excessive eye twitching, drooling or dystonia in the jaw and feet. Our neurologists provide Botox®, Myobloc® or Xeomin® injections in our office. Most patients will see relief shortly after the injection. The medications typically work for three or four months.
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