Parkinson's Disease Center
The Parkinson’s Disease Center at Vanderbilt offers exceptional care for adults of all ages dealing with this neurological disorder. Our team provides a diagnosis, treatment and support to improve and maintain your quality of life.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) can cause tremors, stiffness in the limbs and torso, slow movement and/or problems with balance and coordination. Our researchers are seeking new treatments and a cure. Meanwhile, our team of movement disorder experts can help you manage symptoms with a wide variety of therapies, personalized to your needs and goals.
Conditions We Treat
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Multiple System Atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome)
Meet Your Care Team
Tyler J. BallMD
- Deep Brain Stimulation, Epilepsy, Neuralgia, Trigeminal, Neurologic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Neurosciences, Rehabilitation
Sarah K. BickMD
- Chronic Facial Pain, Deep Brain Stimulation, Epilepsy, Interventional Pain, Movement Disorders, Neuralgia, Trigeminal, Neurologic Surgery
Dario J. EnglotMS, PhD, MD
- Chronic Facial Pain, Epilepsy, Interventional Pain, Movement Disorders, Neuralgia, Trigeminal, Neurologic Surgery, Neurological Disorders, Surgery
Why Choose Parkinson's Disease Center at Vanderbilt
- Expert consultations
We offer consultations, and we welcome referrals from patients, families and outside providers. We review your symptom progression, conduct a neurologic exam and then create a treatment plan customized to your disease.
- Recognized care
Vanderbilt is a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and certified by The Joint Commission in the care of Parkinson's disease. This designation means we have been recognized for the level of care we provide for our patients. We have a specialized team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, physical and occupational therapists, mental health professionals and others who understand the latest treatments and research. Having a team of experts from many specialties helps you manage your unique PD symptoms, so you can maintain your best possible quality of life
- Knowledge and experience
As a Center of Excellence, we care for more than 193,000 people with Parkinson’s. We help set the standards of care for this condition worldwide. Our scientists research ways to improve the lives of people with this condition.
- Clinical trials
As part of an academic medical center, we offer access to some of the most promising new approaches being tested in clinical trials. Find a clinical trial.
- Latest technology
We are a national leader in using deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor. In DBS, a neurosurgeon places a small electrode in the part of the brain controlling movement. Electrical pulses interrupt the way the neurons affected by Parkinson’s fire. This can reduce or eliminate Parkinson’s symptoms. Our experienced and specialized multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neurophysiologists, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists have pioneered innovative technologies to make DBS more accurate, safe, and effective.
- Outreach coordinator
Our outreach coordinator works with everyone on Vanderbilt’s Parkinson’s team. She helps you and your family navigate treatment; alerts the medical team about any of your concerns; coordinates outreach services; supports clinical trials; and serves as a link between our center and the Parkinson’s Foundation.
- Support groups and services
People with Parkinson’s experience different symptoms. No matter which symptoms you are dealing with, education, exercise and support are key to living well. We offer workshops and support groups, including one specifically for people who were diagnosed very recently. To find the right resources for you, contact our outreach coordinator at (615) 936-5517.