Services and Treatment
A Caring Team Approach
The Center employs a multidisciplinary treatment approach
managed by an expert team of neurologists, neurosurgeons,
physical therapists, psychotherapists, social workers and
nurses. After careful evaluation, this team of specialists
designs a treatment program tailored to the patient’s needs.
An Individualized Treatment Plan
This comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to patient care involves:
- Neurological services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Nutrition
- Social services
- Nursing
- Psychological counseling
- Support for caregivers
Innovative Surgical Options
The PD&MDC collaborates with neurosurgeons in the
Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at
Pennsylvania Hospital to offer neurosurgical treatment to
particular patients who no longer respond satisfactorily to
expert medical management. Deep Brain Stimulation, or
DBS, is such a procedure that can relieve rigidity, improve
mobility and eliminate tremor and other involuntary
movements in carefully selected patients with PD. DBS
is also emerging as a viable treatment option for patients
with other movement disorders, such as dystonia. Penn’s
neurosurgeons were the first in the area to perform DBS
and are among the most experienced in the United States.
Drug Treatment
The specialists at the PD&MDC utilize a variety of
medications to treat the symptoms of all movement
disorders so that patients can achieve and maintain
their best level of function. Effective treatment can
only be accomplished after each patient undergoes
a careful, individualized assessment to establish a
diagnosis and to create a plan that includes medication
as only one component of a multi-disciplined,
comprehensive approach.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and directed exercise are critical
to the good management of PD for symptom relief
and preventative maintenance of strength and best
possible mobility. The Dan Aaron Parkinson’s
Rehabilitation Center, located on the ground floor
of the building that houses the PD&MDC, specializes
in restoration of function through individualized
and group instruction on improving mobility, fall
prevention, and other activities that enhance a patient’s
quality of life while helping them in learning to live
with a chronic, neurologic disease.
Psychiatry and Neuropsychology
The PD&MDC has excellent professionals on its
staff to provide psychiatric and neuropsychological
evaluations to patients with specific needs.
Appointments are coordinated by the medical staff.
A counselor and social worker are also available to
meet with patients and their families to assist with the
problems of coping with a neurological disorder and
identifying services that might be helpful.
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