What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a long-term condition in which brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement, gradually stop working well. It typically causes a tremor at rest, stiffness, slowness and smaller handwriting, often starting on one side, and can also affect sleep, mood, memory, smell and the bowels. Not every tremor is Parkinson's: essential tremor and some medicines also cause shaking. Diagnosis is made mainly by a neurologist's examination.
Parkinson's Disease & Tremor at Curewell Speciality Clinic: at a glance
- Who you will see
- Dr. Mailan K (MBBS, DNB (Neuro), DPM, MHA, FICP)
- Tests that may be used
- A neurological examination; blood tests or a brain scan to look for other causes of tremor or stiffness
- Treatment approach
- Dopamine-based medicines timed to your day; regular exercise and physiotherapy; treatment for sleep, mood, memory and constipation
- When it is an emergency
- Usually not an emergency. Seek urgent care for a sudden change, a fall with injury, or confusion with fever.
- Where and when
- #125, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome; call or WhatsApp 74066 57632.
Not every tremor is Parkinson's. Essential tremor, for example, is a common condition in which the hands shake mainly while using them — holding a cup, writing or eating — and it is managed differently. Some medicines, an overactive thyroid, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol withdrawal can also cause shaking. Getting the diagnosis right comes first.
Parkinson's disease is long-term, but its symptoms can often be helped considerably with medicine, exercise and the right support. It also affects more than movement: sleep, mood, memory, constipation, sense of smell and blood pressure can all change. Care is most effective when all of these are looked at together.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
- Shaking of a hand, arm or leg at rest, often on one side
- Slowness of movement; everyday tasks taking longer
- Stiffness of the arms, legs or neck
- Smaller handwriting, a softer voice, or less facial expression
- Shuffling steps, reduced arm swing, or problems with balance
- Acting out dreams in sleep, constipation, loss of smell, low mood
One of these alone doesn't mean you have this condition; most symptoms have more than one cause. Not sure? When to see a neurologist
How does Dr. Mailan K assess and treat Parkinson's disease?
Four steps, at Curewell Speciality Clinic, #125 MM Road, Frazer Town.
Step 1: Assessment
Dr. Mailan K takes a careful history of when symptoms began and how they have changed, reviews every medicine you take, and examines tremor, tone, speed of movement, walking, balance and posture.
Step 2: Diagnosis
Parkinson's disease is mainly diagnosed through history and examination. Blood tests or a brain scan may be advised to look for other causes of tremor or stiffness. Sometimes the response to medicine also helps confirm the diagnosis.
Step 3: Treatment
Medicines that replace or mimic dopamine, the brain chemical that is low in Parkinson's, can improve slowness, stiffness and tremor. Doses and timing are adjusted to suit your day. Regular exercise and physiotherapy are strongly encouraged. Sleep, mood, memory and constipation are treated as part of the same plan.
Step 4: Follow-up
Parkinson's changes over time, so regular reviews matter. Medicines are adjusted as needs change, and side effects — such as dizziness on standing or unwanted movements — are watched for. Families and carers are welcome at visits, and their observations are often very helpful.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- A list of all medicines and the exact times you take them
- A family member or carer who sees you every day
- A short phone video of the tremor or walking, if it varies through the day
- Previous scan reports and prescriptions from other doctors
Questions about Parkinson's Disease & Tremor
Is every tremor Parkinson's disease?
No. Essential tremor, thyroid problems, some medicines, anxiety and caffeine can all cause shaking. A neurologist's examination helps tell these apart, which matters because they are treated differently.
Can Parkinson's disease be cured?
There is currently no cure, but symptoms can often be improved with medicine, exercise and therapy. Dr. Mailan K will explain the options and review how well they are working at each visit.
Why does the timing of medicines matter?
Parkinson's medicines work most reliably when taken at regular times, and their effect can wear off before the next dose. Bringing a list of exactly when you take each medicine helps adjust the plan to your day.
Can family members come to the consultation?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Family members and carers often notice changes in movement, sleep, mood or memory that are useful for planning treatment.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mailan K
#125 MM Road, Frazer Town. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
