Parkinson's Disease Treatment in Sharjah

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition in which nerve cells deep in the brain that produce dopamine gradually wear out. Dopamine helps the brain start and smooth out movement, so as levels fall, movement becomes smaller, slower and stiffer. The typical features are slowness of movement, muscle stiffness, a tremor that appears when the hand is resting and settles when it is used, and a shorter, shuffling walk with less arm swing.

Parkinson's also affects the body beyond movement. A reduced sense of smell, constipation, acting out dreams during sleep, low mood and anxiety often appear years before the tremor. Recognising these helps the neurologist build a complete picture, and many of them respond well to targeted treatment.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, Parkinson's care is led by the neurologist in the Neuroscience department, with regular reviews that follow you as your needs change.

Who needs it

Parkinson's disease treatment is for adults who have been diagnosed with the condition, and for anyone with a gradual change in movement that suggests it, such as:

• A tremor in one hand, at rest, often starting on one side
• Handwriting that becomes smaller across the page
• A quieter voice, or family saying your face looks less expressive
• Slowness with buttons, cutlery or turning over in bed
• A stooped posture, shuffling steps or feeling rooted to the spot in doorways

A shaking hand has many causes. A tremor that appears mainly while holding a cup or writing is more often essential tremor, which is covered on the tremor treatment page. Some medicines, including certain anti-sickness and mental health medicines, can produce Parkinson-like symptoms that ease once the medicine is reviewed.

What happens

Parkinson's is a clinical diagnosis, made from your history and a careful examination of movement, speed, stiffness, balance and walking. The neurologist watches you tap your fingers, open and close your hands, stand from a chair and walk along the corridor. Blood tests may be arranged to check for other causes. Brain imaging, through MRI or neuroimaging in radiology, is used when the picture is unusual or another condition needs to be ruled out, since in typical Parkinson's the scan usually looks normal.

Treatment then works on several fronts:

• Medicines that replace dopamine or copy its action, and others that help it last longer. They are started gradually and adjusted at each review. Separate medicines can help constipation, sleep, low mood and dizziness on standing.
• Timing. Taking doses at the same times each day matters, and a large high-protein meal close to a dose can blunt its effect for some people. Your neurologist may suggest spacing doses from protein-rich meals if you notice this.
• Exercise. Regular brisk walking, cycling, stretching and balance work help movement, mood and confidence, and are part of the treatment itself.
• Falls prevention through footwear advice, home changes, and review of medicines that lower blood pressure.

Physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy and occupational therapy are arranged by referral, through the neurorehabilitation pathway. For people whose symptoms fluctuate despite well-adjusted medicines, advanced treatments such as deep brain stimulation are discussed and arranged by referral to a specialist centre.

Preparing for it

• Bring every medicine in its original box, including supplements, with the exact times you take each one
• Keep a simple diary for a week: when doses are taken, when movement is good, and when it wears off
• Record a short phone video of the tremor or walking on a difficult day
• Note sleep, bowels, mood and any falls or near-falls
• Bring a family member, who often notices changes you miss

If you plan to fast during Ramadan, raise it well before Ramadan begins. Timed doses make fasting a detailed conversation, and your neurologist can agree a plan for Suhoor and Iftar or advise whether fasting suits you.

Afterwards

Parkinson's care continues over years, with reviews to fine-tune medicines as the condition evolves. Staying active is one of the most useful things you can do, so build movement into each day. In the UAE summer, heat and dehydration can worsen dizziness on standing, so drink regularly and exercise in cooler hours or indoors. Discuss driving with your neurologist and follow UAE licensing guidance.

Contact the hospital if you fall, if your medicines seem to wear off sooner, if you notice confusion, hallucinations or compulsive behaviour such as gambling or overspending, or if swallowing becomes harder. Do not stop Parkinson's medicines suddenly, as this can cause a serious reaction; call emergency services or go to the emergency department for high fever with severe stiffness, choking, or a fall with injury.

Cost and insurance

Most UAE health insurance plans cover neurology consultations, reviews and long-term Parkinson's medicines, and some medicines need pre-approval or a formulary check. MRI, therapy sessions and advanced treatments arranged by referral usually need separate approval. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.