Parkinson's Disease & Essential Tremor

Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects control over your movements. It can lead to tremors, rigid muscles, slowness of movement and balance problems. There isn’t a cure, but carefully managing your symptoms with medication and therapy and help improve your quality of life. 

The Parkinson's Clinic of the Ozarks at CoxHealth is here to help. During your appointment, you’ll be evaluated by our board certified neurologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech pathologist, a registered nurse and one of our social services workers. 

We want to improve your care and help manage your symptoms. We’re here for you, and can address your concerns including confirming your diagnosis, your medications and their side effects, depression and cognitive changes and caregiver issues. 

The clinic also provides education and outreach to the communities across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. 

Essential Tremor 

Essential Tremor is a neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of your hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. 

Essential tremor is often confused with Parkinson’s disease, though it’s actually a separate condition and much more common. An estimated 10 million people in the U.S. have essential tremor. The trembling can make even the simplest tasks, such as writing or drinking from a glass, extremely difficult. While the condition is most common in people age 40 and older, it can occur at any age. 

Essential tremor typically begins gradually, worsening over time. Tremors can also worsen with movement, caffeine, stress and fatigue. While about half of all essential tremor cases are believed to result from a genetic mutation, the cause of remaining cases in unclear. 

There are a number of medical and surgical options, including deep brain stimulation, for treating essential tremor. Your physician can help you decide the course of treatment that is best for you. 

To learn more about essential tremor, current research and treatment options, visit the International Essential Tremor Foundation website.