overview

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disease of unknown cause caused by a decrease in the cells that produce dopamine in the brain. It begins with tremors and slowness of movement in the limbs, and gradually progresses to difficulty walking and overall slowness, leading to reduced mobility. While there is no way to slow the progression of the disease, medication that supplements the function of dopamine can help control symptoms and allow patients to live as comfortably as possible.

Achievements

Kitano Hospital treats a large number of Parkinson's disease patients.DPCThe ranking of the number of patients admitted with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease at the target hospitals is shown below (according to the Hospital Information Bureau). Kitano Hospital ranks within the top four in the nation and has the highest number of admissions in the Kansai region.

attempt

What sets Parkinson's disease treatment at Kitano Hospital apart is the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Parkinson's disease is not the only cause of tremors and slow movements. However, it is known that the symptoms of Parkinson's disease patients vary greatly from one individual to another. Parkinson's disease is also known to be an incurable disease, so patients who have been diagnosed are often filled with anxiety. Many patients visit the hospital with questions such as, "Do I really have Parkinson's disease?" and "Why doesn't my condition improve even after taking medication?" To solve this problem, Parkinson's disease diagnosis at Kitano Hospital is performed during hospitalization. Medications are also introduced and adjusted at this time. Diagnosis is carried out according to an examination plan based on international diagnostic standards, and treatment tailored to the patient's condition and lifestyle is considered depending on the results. The process generally involves examination, diagnosis, and the introduction and adjustment of medication.2It will take about a week.

After several years of Parkinson's disease, the effectiveness of medication inevitably decreases, and the period of time when movement is restricted increases, or involuntary movements called dyskinesia occur, making daily life difficult. There are many types of medication for Parkinson's disease, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is necessary to combine these appropriately and treat them as a "drug team." Adjusting the medication also2It involves a 3-week hospital stay.

After diagnosis and treatment adjustments during hospitalization at Kitano Hospital, patients will generally continue treatment at a nearby medical institution. Re-examinations and further medication adjustments due to subsequent changes in the patient's condition may also require readmission. When visiting Kitano Hospital for treatment of Parkinson's disease or similar illnesses, please bring an information sheet (referral letter) and make an appointment. We ask for your cooperation in providing a thorough medical interview and explanation.

Deep brain stimulation therapy (DBS)

Kitano Hospital offers deep brain stimulation therapy (DBSWe also provide surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease, also known as Parkinson's disease, and are one of the earliest hospitals in the Kansai region to offer this treatment.DBSA device similar to a cardiac pacemaker is implanted to deliver continuous electrical stimulation to the brain.DBSBy introducing this, it is possible to take over the effects of medication to a certain extent.DBSThe goal is to reduce the time it takes for the medication to wear off and maintain a good state of mind for as long as possible by using it in combination with other medications. Since the procedure requires implanting electrodes into the brain, it is important to ensure safety not only in terms of surgery but also in terms of cognitive function and mental state.DBSis known as a surgical treatment, but since Parkinson's disease is an internal medicine disease, at Kitano Hospital the neurology department plays a central role, working closely with the neurosurgery and psychiatry departments.3We provide treatment as a multidisciplinary team. This ensures that the treatment is effective and safe.DBSWe are working to propose the introduction ofDBSIf you wish to visit for this purpose, you will need to make a dedicated outpatient appointment through the hospital or clinic where you are currently receiving treatment.