Coimbatore:

Six neurologists in the city have come together to launch the Tamil Nadu chapter of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society. The society, launched on Wednesday, will offer supportive medical care and free counselling to patients suffering from the disorder. The society which will be located in Ramnagar is expected to be operational in three months. Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu was present at the inaugural programme.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain that produces dopamine, an organic chemical that controls the body’s movement. The disease’s symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors and change in speech and gait.

The chapter will be called Park-in Nest and will provide Parkinson’s patients with the best of facilities and neurologists, philanthropists and social workers. “We aim to create a society to serve people suffering from the disease,” said Dr V Arulselvan, one of the founders of the society and neurosurgeon at the Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital. “The centre will provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological counselling, try to spread awareness about the disease and keep families updated with newer treatment options,” he said.

Neurologists say such centre’s are necessary as on many occasions neurologists don’t have enough time to talk freely about the disease and give them a more holistic treatment. “Many patients have a lot of doubts about their nutrition and food intake and even exercises, but on many occasions we don’t get enough time to sit them down and explain it to them,” said Dr Arulselvan.

“Physiotherapy is also a very important aspect of the treatment, as it helps them maintain balance, walk better and raises their confidence levels,” said Dr M B Pranesh, neurology professor at PSG Hospitals.

Doctors say they each see around 100 to 200 Parkinson’s patients. “There has been no survey to check on the exact number of patients suffering from the disorder or its incidence in the district or region,” said Dr Pranesh. “Our patients come from a huge geographic range which spreads from Nilgiris right up to Erode and even Salem,” he said. “But we will start collecting details in the centre,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Coimbatore / TNN / March 31st, 2016