Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that effects people of all ages.  It is characterized by the presence of tremor, rigidity, mask like expressions, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), anterior posturing and balance difficulties. Typical and routine treatment is through medications which enhance the function of the Substantia Nigra improving its ability to inhibit the thalamus allowing for improved sensory integration to the cortex.  Therefore, evoking a smoother motor response. However, it is well documented in the literature that long term effects of medications such as L-Dopa can lead to Tardive Dyskinesias and a worsening of the condition.

As a functional neurologist I have been able to effectively help improve the quality of life and function of Parkinson’s patient’s by stimulating surrounding neuronal nuclei and neurological pathways to positively effect function of the substantia nigra.   We do so by using light, sound, vestibular and balance based applications. The results at times are almost instantaneous. I have encountered patient’s in early stages of Parkinson’s where these therapies have significantly reduced their tremor. In more advanced cases, we have seen patient’s gait patterns improve dramatically.  The purpose in treatment is to stimulate neuronal pathways at a pace that doesn’t fatigue the system in order to strengthen it,  just as you would a weakened muscle.  We educate and tailor to the patient a home brain based neurological exercise program to further assist in improving their condition.

As in all movement disorders, they develop because an area of the basal ganglia has become dysfunctional. The goal of the functional neurologist is to make it become more functional without the use of medications.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Paul Quarneri, DC, DACNB, FACFN at dr.quarneri@gmail.com

(Reuters Health) – Acid-suppressing drugs like Prilosec and Prevacid may not be much help for infants with troublesome acid reflux, and there’s too little evidence that they help older children and teenagers, a new research review concludes.

There are more natural measures to relieve the symptoms of reflux than putting your kids on potential harmful pharmaceuticals.  At Neurolink Chiropractic, we focus on promoting nutritional health to relieve common gastrointestinal complaints.  We understand the nervous system controls all the other systems of the body. When there are musculoskeletal complaints from a neurological origin, it is not uncommon to see other systems such as the GI tract to be compromised as well. A thorough history and metabolic questionaire allows us to identify possible roots of the problem.  At this point we can give you appropriate recommendations.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/05/us-heartburn-drugs-kids-idUSTRE7347FY20110405