Parkinson’s Disease Resources

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurologic condition that affects many areas of one’s life. For this reason, Orange Coast Medical Center is pleased to offer patient and carepartner support groups, exercises classes, physical therapy, speech therapy, and leading minimally-invasive & surgical treatment options.

Support Groups:

• Parkinson’s Disease Support Group - Provides patients and their families with education on Parkinson’s disease and time to share and learn with fellow members of the Parkinson’s community.
• Carepartner Support Group - Provides caregivers the opportunity to obtain a better understanding of Parkinson’s disease, learn tools for providing support, communicating with loved ones, and taking better care of themselves.
• Young Onset Parkinson’s Support Group – Provides support and education to people under 60 years-old and is specifically catered to address their unique needs.

Exercise Class: 

• Parkinson’s Exercise Class - Steps Forward - Orange Coast Medical Center offers complimentary Parkinson's exercise classes for patients and their carepartners/family members. This motivating and supportive class focuses on strengthening, stretching and balance exercises specifically designed for Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Physical Therapy:

• Parkinson's Wellness Recovery (PWR!) - Orange Coast Medical Center’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Department offers evidence-based, clinically proven physical therapy by licensed therapists certified in the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) program. Those who have completed 1:1 sessions in our Outpatient Rehabilitation department may attend these complimentary maintenance/progression classes.

Speech Therapy:

• SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® - Orange Coast Medical Center offers a two-part speech therapy program to help people with Parkinson's improve and preserve effective communication.
  • Part 1: SPEAK OUT!® places emphasis on speaking with intent and converting speech from an automatic function to an intentional act, through a series of speech, voice, and cognitive exercises during their 1:1 sessions.
  • Part 2: The LOUD Crowd® complimentary maintenance program consists of supportive and effective weekly group sessions, after completion of SPEAK OUT!®

Leading Treatment Options: When symptoms are not controlled by medication, Orange Coast Medical Center is on the forefront of providing the most current and effective minimally-invasive and surgical treatment options with our experienced neurosurgeons.

• MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) - A minimally invasive procedure to alleviate tremor associated with Essential Tremor and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s disease. MRgFUS uses ultrasound waves to create a small lesion in the thalamus to interrupt irregular electrical signals that cause hand tremors. During the procedure, an MRI is used to obtain detailed images of the brain anatomy to guide and control the treatment, allowing the neurosurgeon to pinpoint, direct and continuously monitor the treatment area while not affecting the surrounding healthy tissue of the brain. Results are immediate and research shows results last for at least 5 years.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – Uses implanted electrodes controlled by a neurostimulator to block abnormal nerve signals that are causing essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Before the electrodes are placed, an MRI and CT scan are performed to pinpoint the precise area of the brain for treatment. Once placed, the electrodes can be individually adjusted to control essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease symptoms.