Parkinson's Disease clinic at MassGeneral Hospital

CLINICAL SERVICES

Diagnostic Services and Testing

Every new patient will undergo a comprehensive evaluation with a personalized set of diagnostic tests. Evaluation and diagnostic services include lab tests, surgical evaluation, cognitive evaluation and brain imaging.

Our physicians will make appropriate referrals to other specialists for testing or treatment, including: physiatry, psychiatry, genetic counseling and testing, social services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and chronic care facilities.

Psychiatric and Cognitive Evaluation and Treatment

Our affiliated psychiatrist performs diagnostic psychiatric evaluations and provides treatment while keeping in close contact with the patient’s neurologist. She is involved in clinical research to understand common psychiatric disorders related to Parkinson disease such as depression and anxiety.

Neuropsychological Testing and Assessment

Neuropsychological assessment examines the patient's cognitive abilities (e.g., memory, attention, language) and is frequently critical in diagnosis and treatment. Our staff members have extensive clinical experience with movement disorder patients and are actively involved in clinical investigations of the cognitive characteristics of this population.

Surgical Evaluation and Neurosurgery

Our surgical evaluation and intervention program is staffed by a specialized team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and neuropsychologists. 

Surgical procedures that treat Parkinson disease require thorough and intensive evaluation of potential surgical candidates. Our multidisciplinary surgical evaluation unit sets the standards for surgical treatment and pre-and post-surgical monitoring and care.

Patient Care

We work closely with specialists to provide a full range of care for our patients and their loved ones living with Parkinson disease. Nurse specialists are dedicated to coordinating care according to each patient’s needs. A nurse specialist gathers clinical data on each new patient to facilitate the initial appointment with a neurologist.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists enable individuals to maintain their ability to function in the areas of self-care, home/community management, and work/leisure skills. The therapists work with the individual to develop strategies, explore equipment options specific to their needs, and provide emotional support.

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech-Language Pathologists are concerned with an individual's optimal functioning in the area of communication and swallowing, with the primary goal being improvements in the quality of life. Our therapists assist in safe and efficient eating and drinking and provide training in achieving clearer spoken communication.

Nutrition

The nutritional health of patients with Parkinson disease requires special attention. Nutritionists provide advice on healthful diets to improve appetite, maintain weight and improve overall health.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

PM&R physicians, also called Physiatrists, work to restore or maximize the functional skills, self-sufficiency and mobility of individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities. The treatment includes a biopsychosocial model that integrates the individual's medical issues with the family history, social history as well as personal and professional life concerns.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists offer preventative and restorative services to promote an individual's optimal capacity in the area of functional mobility. Our therapists provide a thorough examination of strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, gait and risk of falls. Recommendations for treatment are individualized based upon a person's needs and goals, with the ultimate goal being safe mobility in the home and/or community.

Continuing Neurologic Care

Our neurologists work closely with each patient’s primary care physician to achieve optimum treatment benefits.

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