Recognizing Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease: What You Need to Know
Dr. Kadam Nagpal
6 Min Read
Dec 19, 2024
Neurology studies the nervous system and its diseases. It is a branch of medicine that focuses on the brain and spinal cord and their connections to other parts of the body. Our Neurology team treats people who have problems with movement or sensation, as well as those who have disturbances in thinking or emotion. They are also concerned with patients who have disorders of balance and coordination. The most common neurological disorders are Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Many other neurological disorders affect the brain and nervous system but are less common than these. Consult our Best Neurology Hospital in Delhi if you need diagnosis and treatment for neurological issues.
Manipal Hospitals is the finest neurology hospital in Delhi. Our Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences offers the best neuro disease treatment in Delhi. We have more than 30 years of experience managing neurological disorders and offer comprehensive care for neurological problems from skilled and experienced doctors.
We use advanced tools and the latest technology to provide our patients with the most suitable treatments for their conditions. We are one of India's largest healthcare chains, with 28 hospitals across India and over 4,000 doctors on our team, ensuring that every patient receives expert treatment from a qualified specialist.
After confirming stroke, a neurologist will prescribe a series of scans, tests, and examinations to identify the way a stroke has affected the neurological system. The standard battery of tests will include MRIs, CT scans, Ultrasound, blood draws, angiograms and echocardiograms. These tests will shed light on the severity of the stroke as well as the…
Whether you need to be admitted to our hospital for a serious neurological condition, or come in for a day procedure, our high precision diagnostic equipment help our neurology team to prescribe the best mode of treatment. That’s why patients trust Manipal Hospitals with precise diagnosis.
EEG or Electroencephalogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the brain and brain wave patterns.
EMG or Electromyography is an invasive diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by dementia or loss of memory, behavioural changes, and loss of cognitive thinking, which eventually becomes severe affecting everyday simple tasks. The disease is named after Dr Alois Alzheimer who was the first person to notice some brain tissues changes like amyloid…
Our brain and spinal cord are surrounded by fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. Lumbar puncture is a procedure in which doctor collects a sample of cerebrospinal fluid which can be tested in the lab for diseases of the brain and spinal cord.
Nerves control the muscles in the body by electrical signals and this impulse make the muscles react in specific ways. NCS or Nerve Conduction Study is a non-invasive test which measures how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals.
Patients suffering from brain trauma or disease that requires round the clock monitoring and care are admitted into the neuro intensive care. The neuro ICU has a team of neurological specialists and nurses that are trained and experienced in providing intensive care to patients. They are equipped to detect and treat a number of neurological disorders…
Some of the common neurological disorders are of the spinal cord, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, and even insomnia.
A memory clinic is a place where people with neurological disorders are treated by neurologists and psychologists to improve their ability to function on a day to day basis. A major symptom of neurological diseases like dementia is the loss of memory that can severely affect an individual and those around them. Professional help after an early diagnosis…
Children are delicate and are the most important people for us. This is why our exclusive paediatric services offer comprehensive diagnosis and management for children who have disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles. Our highly proficient team specializes in providing neurological care, individual consultations, and customised treatment…
Most strokes are acute and typically start suddenly and worsen rapidly. Sometimes a stroke may be preceded by a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary stroke that reverses itself before it causes any lasting effects.
The dedicated premium lab at Manipal Hospital is equipped with powerful diagnostic intruments. The Electrophysiology lab boasts of high precision Electroencephalogram (EEG), video telemetry and Electromyography (EMG) scans. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain. Here, electrical sensors…
The human mind is an intricate web of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Similarly, the brain operates through electric signals that influence our actions. This intriguing combination is what our immensely talented neurologists and neuropsychologists at Manipal Hospitals handle on a daily basis.
What are Neurological Disorders?
Neurological Disorders impact the nervous system, which comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that connect them to other body parts. The nervous system controls everything from walking or talking to breathing or blinking. Neurological disorders can affect any part of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Common neurological disorders include Alzheimer's, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Manipal Hospitals has the best neurologist in Delhi. Furthermore, we also have the best neurosurgery team for diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions like:
Acute Stroke
Alzheimer's Disease
Parkinson's Disease and related disorders
Paediatric and Adult Epilepsy
Cerebrovascular Diseases
Neuromuscular Diseases
Cognition Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Demyelinating Disorders.
Common Neurological Disorders
Acute Stroke
An Acute stroke is a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain that can cause permanent damage to brain cells. It is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention.
The signs and symptoms of an acute stroke may include:
Sudden weakness
Numbness in the face
Numbness on one side of the body
Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Cerebrovascular Diseases
Cerebrovascular diseases affect the brain and spinal cord. Problems with the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain are the primary cause of Cerebrovascular diseases. Blood vessels can become blocked or narrowed, which may cause a stroke. Blood vessels can also weaken and rupture, leading to bleeding into the brain (Hemorrhagic Stroke).
Epilepsy
Epilepsy causes seizures and is characterised by repeated, uncontrolled surges of electrical activity in the brain, which can cause various symptoms, including convulsions, loss of consciousness and sensory disturbances.
Seizures are either focal or generalised, depending on where they start in the brain. Focal seizure originates in one brain part and may or may not spread to other areas. Generalised seizures occur when an abnormal electrical discharge occurs throughout both brain hemispheres.
Several causes of Epilepsy include:
Genetic factors
Brain damage from high fevers or infections (especially in children)
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Neuromuscular Diseases
Neuromuscular diseases affect the nervous system and the muscles. They range in severity from mild to life-threatening and can be inherited or acquired.
The symptoms of neuromuscular diseases vary from person to person and may include weakness, muscle stiffness, fatigue and loss of coordination.
Acquired Neuromuscular diseases include Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Miller-Fisher Syndrome.
Inherited Neuromuscular diseases include Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT2A), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and Dystrophinopathy.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease affects movement and balance and deteriorates progressively. The loss of dopamine-producing brain cells causes it. The most common symptoms include tremors (shaking), stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. Symptoms typically worsen over time and may eventually interfere with daily activities like walking, talking, or getting dressed.
In addition to these symptoms, it is possible to have depression or anxiety due to Parkinson's disease.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss, cognitive impairment and behavioural problems. It is the most common cause of Dementia among older adults.
Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed with a complete medical history and physical exam, brain imaging tests and blood tests.
In addition to treating Alzheimer's, managing behaviours related to dementia symptoms is essential, which includes teaching the loved ones how to manage tasks such as bathing themselves or remembering where they put their keys.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. It causes inflammation, scarring, and damage to the myelin sheath (an insulating layer) surrounding nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. MS leads to problems with muscle control, balance, sensation, vision, bladder control, and bowel function.
An autoimmune disorder, MS may result from tolerance of myelin in the immune system.
People with Multiple Sclerosis may experience one or more symptoms at any given time:
Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
Weakness or loss of balance or coordination
Spasticity (stiffness and tightness) in arms and legs
Blurred vision
Painless eye movements (nystagmus)
Double vision.
Demyelinating Disorders
Demyelinating disorders are conditions in which the myelin sheath, the fatty covering of nerve fibres, is damaged. This damage can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis and numbness. Demyelinating disorders fall into two main categories: those that occur due to genetic mutations and those that occur due to external factors, such as an infection or injury.
The most common form of Demyelinating disorder is Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Less common types of Demyelinating disorder include Optic Neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), Transverse Myelitis (Spinal Cord inflammation), and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
Diagnosis Facilities
EEG
EEG (Electroencephalogram) measures the brain's electrical activity. The test works by placing electrodes on the scalp, allowing doctors to see how the brain works.
EEG diagnoses Epilepsy and other neurological disorders and monitors sleep patterns.
MRI
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field to produce images of the body's internal structures.
It detects cancerous and non-cancerous tumours, evaluates damage to bones, muscles and ligaments caused by trauma or disease, and diagnoses neuro conditions such as Stroke.
MRI scans are non-invasive; they do not require the injection of contrast dyes and provide detailed images of the entire body.
CT Scan
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan uses X-rays to assess the internal organs, bones and blood vessels. The table on which the patient lies slides into a tunnel-shaped device known as a scanner. The machine rotates around the patient while an X-ray beam rotates around the body from many directions, producing cross-sectional images of the body's internal structures projected onto a screen for viewing by a radiologist. CT Scan diagnoses and treats various diseases and conditions, including Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound produces images of the body's internal structures in a non-invasive way using high-frequency sound waves. These images are called sonograms and can be used to diagnose neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Tumors, and Strokes. Ultrasound also helps in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Cardiology, Ophthalmology and Dentistry.
Lumbar Puncture
Lumbar Puncture is a procedure to diagnose neurological disorders. The procedure involves inserting a needle through the skin and Spinal Canal. The needle then draws out Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) from around the spinal cord, which is analysed to determine abnormalities.
EMG
Electromyography (EMG) uses electrical impulses to evaluate the health of the nerves. It determines the cause of nerve damage or pain and is often used to diagnose neurological disorders like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
NCS - Nerve Conduction Study
Nerve Conduction Studies diagnose neurological disorders. When an electrical impulse stimulates a nerve, electrodes on the skin detect the resulting action potential. The time this signal takes to reach the recording electrodes is then measured and displayed as a graph. This graph determines whether there is any impairment in the conduction of action potentials along the nerve fibre.
Electrophysiology Lab
The Electrophysiology lab at Manipal Hospitals, Delhi, provides the best neurologist in Delhi with high-precision Electroencephalogram (EEG), Video Telemetry, and Electromyography (EMG) scans, allowing them to diagnose neurological disorders with advanced precision.
3-Tesla MRI
The 3-Tesla MRI is a type of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that uses a magnetic field to generate high-quality images of the brain and other body parts. 3-Tesla MRIs are more powerful than older versions, which use 1.5 Tesla or lower and provide more detailed images with greater clarity and less noise. The 3-Tesla MRI can detect abnormalities in brain tissue and small lesions in other body parts. It diagnoses neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
PET-CT
PET-CT is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technique that detects and diagnoses neurological disorders. It combines the best features of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerised Tomography (CT).
The PET part of the test examines blood flow in the brain, which can help doctors determine whether there is an abnormality in metabolism or blood flow in specific brain areas. The CT part of the test allows for detailed imaging of structures within the body using X-rays.
Molecular Diagnostics
Molecular Diagnostics detects, identifies, or quantifies a sample's target nucleic acid sequence. There are many categories of molecular diagnostics, including genotyping and phenotyping. Genotyping can be used to identify the presence of a particular genetic marker, while phenotyping can determine the function of a gene product.
Molecular Diagnostics diagnose neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease by identifying specific mutations in their genes that cause these diseases or by looking at differences in chromosomes between healthy individuals and those with these diseases.
Treatment Facilities
Memory Clinic
A memory Clinic is where patients experiencing memory problems get an evaluation by a team of Neurologists, Psychotherapists, and Neuropsychologists. The clinic offers early diagnosis and treatment to stop deterioration in Dementia along with identifying disorders that might be contributing to Dementia.
Stroke Management
When someone suffers a stroke, they need to seek immediate medical treatment to reduce the patient's risk of death and ensure the best chances of recovery. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops due to an obstruction – frequently a blood clot, but sometimes an artery can rupture. Treatment depends upon the severity of the Stroke and may include surgery.
Neuro Intensive Care
Neuro Intensive Care is a subspecialty of Critical Care Medicine that focuses on treating patients with neurological disorders. It is an interdisciplinary approach to patient care involving physicians such as Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, and Intensivists.
Neuro Intensive Care combines medical and surgical treatments with nursing care and other supportive therapies to treat various nervous system disorders. Contact us now to get the finest treatment at the best neurology hospital in Delhi.
Facilities Available At Manipal Hospitals, Delhi
Manipal Hospitals is the finest Neurology Hospital in Delhi, with world-class facilities like:
Stroke Management
Outpatient Services
In-patient Services
Adult Neurology Services
Neuro Intensive Care
Memory Clinic
Headache Clinic
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
Lumbar Puncture
Paediatric Neurology Services
Acute Management of Stroke
Electrophysiology Lab
3-Tesla MRI
PET-CT
Molecular Diagnostics
Cerebrovascular Diseases Care
Paediatric and Adult Epilepsy Care
Neuromuscular diseases Treatment
Management of Parkinson's Disease and related disorders
Management of Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions of cognition
Management of Multiple Sclerosis and other Demyelinating Disorders
After gathering general information about the patient's health the Neurologist will review the patient's medical history, and do a complete physical examination. Then the doctor might order tests for your vision, smell odors and hear sounds, coordination, memory, strength, reflexes, ability to feel physical objects, reasoning, and puzzle-solving abilities.
Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by seizures and unusual behaviors. The leading cause of epilepsy is stroke, brain damage, traumatic head injury, etc. Walk in to the finest neurology hospital in Delhi to know more about it.
Dementia can be prevented by maintaining ideal body weight, following a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, being happy and in a good mood. According to studies, depression, an unhealthy lifestyle etc., can increase your risk of dementia.
Migraine is a type of headache that makes the person become very sensitive to light and sound. Triggers or causal factors include hormonal imbalance, changes in the sleep cycle, irregular meal patterns, stress and tension, and certain medications. To know more, visit the neurology hospital in Delhi.
Some factors that can increase your risk for stroke include an unhealthy lifestyle like eating junk, drinking alcohol, lack of physical activity, being obese or overweight, etc. Certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, etc can also increase your risk for stroke. To get rid of these risk factors, visit the top neurology hospital in Delhi.
Early symptoms of the disease include mild cognitive impairment characterized by difficulty in remembering the names of family and friends, forgetting appointments, forgetting their way back home, etc. As the disease progresses it causes problems with vision, smell, and taste, walking and maintaining balance becomes difficult, and the person feels depressed and withdraws himself socially. If you notice any of the signs, arrive at the best neurology hospital in Delhi.
A neurologist is a highly trained specialist who treats conditions of the brain, Spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Stroke, migraine, Parkinson’s disease, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Muscular Dystrophies, and Peripheral Neuropathy are some common conditions in this vast and complex field. Get the best treatment at the leading neurology hospital in Delhi.
The Neurologist will review your symptoms in-depth and ask you about any associated medical conditions that you may have. He will then proceed to do a detailed examination including a thorough assessment of the nervous system. The neurologist may order some investigations to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Thereafter the plan of management, prognosis and follow-up visits will be discussed with you at length.
Rapid advances in the understanding of neurological disorders have translated into a highly effective treatment for almost all neurological conditions. Rapid strides in neuro-diagnostics have enabled early diagnosis and vastly improved outcomes.
The long-term effects of treatment for a neurological condition can vary and depend on several factors, such as specific conditions, types of treatment, and individuals. It's important to consult with the neurologist in Delhi regarding the potential long-term effects before starting any treatment.
The specialists at the best neurology hospital in Delhi understand that the several factors determine the ability to return to work and normal activities after neurological treatment depends on several factors. In many cases, treatment can help improve function and allow for a return to normal activities.
Treatment for a neurological condition can sometimes cause other health problems or complications. It's important to discuss the potential risks and side effects with a top neurologist in Delhi before starting any treatment, so you can make an informed decision about your care. Regular monitoring and follow-up care can help minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome.
Yes, medication can be an effective treatment for some neurological conditions. Get an appointment at the neurology specialist hospital in Delhi to know more about the treatment options for neurological conditions.
For certain neurological conditions, treatment such as physical therapy or medication management can be performed at home. Consult with the best neurologist in Delhi for guidance on appropriate home-based treatment options.
Non-genetic causes of Dementia include lack of physical exercise, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. These can lead to a buildup of plaque (accumulated protein fragments between neurons) in the brain, which can cause Dementia.
Head injuries or strokes, which damage the brain and lead to memory loss and other cognitive problems, may also cause Dementia. Visit the best neurology hospital in Delhi.
While there is no cure for most Dementia cases, there are ways to manage the symptoms. The symptoms include memory loss and impaired judgment, which make it difficult for the person with Dementia to do daily tasks.
If a blood clot causes a Stroke, medications may help prevent another stroke. These drugs prevent clots from forming in blood vessels, leading to another stroke.
If the Stroke occurred because of a bleed in the brain, surgery might be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and reduce the risk of future strokes. This surgery can sometimes restore function lost during the initial event and prevent further damage.
Yes, there are possibilities of detecting a neurological condition before symptoms appear.
Body fluid tests, as well as imaging scans, can detect neurological conditions. Doctors also use molecular scans and prenatal genetic testing to identify possible neurological conditions.
Contact us to know more about neurological problems, and book an appointment with one of our Neurology specialists today.