OHSU Parkinson Center

Our very own Shannon Anderson, MPAS, PA-C was on the Neuropraxis: The Neurology Educator's Podcast! You can list to the podcast here!

Episode 8: Right Place, Right Time with Shannon Anderson, PA-C - Neuropraxis: The Neurology Educator's Podcast What does it take to learn neurology on the job, and how can we make this process smoother? A growing number of advanced practice providers (APPs) are joining the neurology workforce, yet few have neurology specific training in their educatio...

We are highlighting "In People With Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate Than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial" by Laurie King as our Paper of the Month this June.

This randomized controlled trial examined whether starting physical therapy earlier versus later after a subacute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, or concussion) affected recovery. Researchers found that participants who began physical therapy sooner experienced a faster reduction in concussion-related symptoms compared with those whose therapy was delayed. The intervention targeted common post-concussion problems such as dizziness, balance impairments, and movement dysfunction, and both groups ultimately improved, but the early-treatment group recovered at a quicker rate. The findings suggest that, rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own, initiating individualized physical therapy during the subacute phase of mTBI may accelerate symptom improvement and functional recovery, supporting a more proactive rehabilitation approach for people with persistent post-concussion symptoms.

Please click on the link below to learn more about it!

In People With Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate Than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial AbstractImportance. There is unclear evidence on when to initiate physical therapy after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a non-athlete, adult populat

Our paper of the month for April is "Effects of Levodopa on Gait in People With Parkinson’s Disease With and Without a History of Falls" by Martina Mancini, Patty Carlson-Kuhta, Jay Nutt, Fay Horak, and Vrutangkumar Shah.

The impact of levodopa on gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in those with and without a history of falls, remains unclear. This study examines whether levodopa alters digital gait characteristics in fallers and non-fallers with PD to those observed in healthy controls (HC) and identifies key gait and turning measures most influenced by levodopa. The findings suggest that impaired turning and gait shuffling in PD may be associated with falls and that dopamine replacement therapy, as well as rehabilitation, focused on improving turning and gait shuffling may reduce fall risk.
https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/mdc3.70330

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month 💙

Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people and their families, yet so much about it remains misunderstood. This month is about raising awareness, supporting those living with Parkinson’s, and pushing for continued research toward better treatments and a cure.

Let’s take time to learn, and stand together.