Parkinson’s Disease Specialist

Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM Our Services Parkinson’s Disease
Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM - - Board Certified Neurologist

Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC

Aneeta Jain Gupta, MD, DM

Board Certified Neurologist & Sleep Medicine Physician located in Hendersonville, NC serving Asheville, Brevard, Columbus, Weaverville, Morganton, NC and Upstate SC.

Every year, about 60,000 Americans receive a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Although Parkinson's disease is chronic, it’s possible to remain active and healthy with regular treatment. At Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, board-certified neurologist Aneeta Gupta, MD, DM, works with people of all ages to treat Parkinson’s disease. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book online today.

Parkinson’s Disease Q&A

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder characterized by problems with movement. At first, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are mild, but over time, they get progressively worse.

Parkinson’s disease damages nerve cells within the brain. As the damage gets worse, it causes your dopamine levels to drop, resulting in tremors, stiffness, and mobility issues. 

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

No two people with Parkinson’s disease experience the same exact symptoms. However, signs usually affect one side of the body first. Other indications of Parkinson’s disease include: 

  • Tremors of the hands or fingers
  • Rigid or stiff muscles
  • Slowed movements
  • Impaired posture
  • Trouble keeping your balance
  • Changes in your speech

As Parkinson’s disease gets worse, you might also experience difficulty writing, or a decreased ability to blink, smile, or swing your arms while walking.

Who is at risk of Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people, but it’s particularly common in individuals over the age of 60, men, and those with a family history of Parkinson’s. Ongoing exposure to certain toxins, such as herbicides or pesticides, may also increase your risk.

How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?

To diagnose Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Gupta reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. She also conducts a physical exam and a neurological evaluation.

If Dr. Gupta suspects a different medical condition is the source of your symptoms, she might order blood tests or diagnostic imaging like an MRI or computed tomography (CT) scan. You might also benefit from regular follow up appointments where Dr. Gupta evaluates your symptoms over time.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Treatment of Parkinson’s disease depends on the severity of your symptoms and the diseases’ effects on your quality of life. If you have mild or moderate symptoms, Dr. Gupta might recommend physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and boost mobility or work with a speech pathologist to improve speech problems. 

Dr. Gupta may also recommend prescription medications to increase dopamine production, a chemical that plays a vital role in balance and movement. Dr. Gupta also offers deep brain stimulation (DBS). With DBS treatment, Dr. Gupta implants a series of small electrodes in your brain. The electrodes connect to a generator placed in your chest and send small pulses of electric energy to your brain, minimizing symptoms like tremors.

To explore your treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, schedule an appointment at Carolina Neurology Center, PLLC. Call the office or book online today.