Expert Q&A : Parkinson's Disease

Dr. Videnovic is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at MCP Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, and a Neurology residency at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago where he served as Chief Resident. Subsequently he trained in Movement disorders at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He obtained a Master of Science degree in clinical research from the Rush Graduate College in 2007. Dr. Videnovic is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, Movement Disorders Society, and Parkinson Study Group. Dr. Videnovic cares for patients with Parkinson's disease and various movement disorders. He is a principal investigator and co-investigator on several clinical trials in the field of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. His research focuses on sleep dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease.

What is "off-time" and “wearing off” in Parkinson's disease? What should a patient do when it occurs?
Over the course of treatment for Parkinson's disease, a substantial number of patients develop fluctations in response to their medication. Read full answer.

Are there any lifestyle adjustments my 68-year-old mother with Parkinson's can make to help improve her tremors and shakes?
Tremors and shakes are very common complaints related to Parkinson's disease. Treatment is often challening, since tremors may not respond optimally to various medications. Read the full answer.

My father, 64, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. How long can a person live after diagnosis?
On average, patients live between 10 to 20 years after diagnosis -- however you must consider the person's current age, as well. Read the doctor's full answer.

Is surgery beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease?
There are two main surgical approaches to the management of Parkinson's disease: brain lesioning surgery and deep brain stimulation. Read the Doctor's full answer.

What causes the movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease?
A certain area of the brain slowly degenerates, leading to a lack of dopamine, which can result in Parkinson's disease. Read the doctor's full answer.