As Parkinson’s disease progresses, muscle spasms, rigidity, and slowed movements can reduce your quality of life. Board-certified neurologist Darryl Camp, MD, has extensive experience treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease at Texas Herbal Clinic in Houston, Texas. Dr. Camp can help relieve your symptoms, improve your sleep quality, and minimize your pain with medical marijuana. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting specific brain neurons. The condition can impact many different areas of the body, particularly the limbs. Most symptoms develop slowly over a long period. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder with no cure, but early intervention can help slow its development.
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease may be subtle at first. Over time, however, symptoms can worsen and become more apparent. Signs of Parkinson’s disease include:
Symptoms often start on one side of the body and remain worse on that side even if they spread to other areas of your body. As Parkinson’s disease progresses, many patients lose control of their automatic movements. Smiling, blinking, or swinging your arms can be a challenge.
To manage your symptoms and slow the disease’s progression, your primary care provider may recommend certain medications, lifestyle changes, and even surgery.
Parkinson’s disease develops when certain brain neurons or nerve cells begin to break down. This damage prevents the neurons from producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to dysfunctional movements.
Certain genes and environmental toxins can increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers can also connect the presence of Lewy bodies — clumps of proteins in the brain — to Parkinson’s disease.
The anti-inflammatory properties that the cannabinoids (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in medical marijuana contain can help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Many Parkinson’s disease patients who use medical marijuana report improved sleep quality, physical function, and pain reduction.
Dr. Camp may recommend medical marijuana if you frequently experience:
At your initial visit, Dr. Camp performs a complete evaluation that includes a physical exam and medical history review to determine whether medical marijuana is the right addition to your treatment plan.
Call Texas Herbal Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Parkinson’s disease.