OUTPATIENT CLINIC OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND RELATED MOVEMENT DISORDERS
CLINICALACTIVITIES
The specialized outpatient Clinic of Parkinson’s Disease and Related Movement Disorders aims at the diagnosis and treatment of patients who manifest either Parkinson’s Disease or other Movement Disorders. In the Clinic, more than 500 patients are being followed regularly.
Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, with motor and non-motor manifestations. There are various forms of the disease, and the differential diagnosis from other syndromes that mimic aspects of the disease may be difficult, especially at the initial stages. In the outpatient Clinic we first consider the appropriate diagnosis, based on the whole clinical picture, which includes motoric, cognitive and behavioral aspects of the particular patient. The exam can include a more thorough Neuropsychological/Behavioral assessment. Depending on the case, neuroimaging studies may be considered, such as Brain MRI or a DAT scan, to ascertain potential neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal axis. We perform genetic analysis for cases where there is a high probability of a genetic cause for the disease; this may involve collaboration with Centers abroad. Based on the cumulative experience of the specialized Clinic, and also international guidelines, we provide the appropriate therapeutic regimen. There is a regular follow-up of patients with Parkinson’s Disease, in which the therapeutic regimen for the motor and non-motor symptoms is reconsidered and potentially altered. Depending on the case, the patients may undergo evaluation by a Physical Therapist, a Psychologist, a Nurse specialized in stress management in the setting of chronic neurological diseases, a Psychiatrist or a Social Worker. In the case that the patient has transitioned to the phase of advanced Parkinson’s Disease, with prominent and debilitating motor complications, such as motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, he or she may be a candidate for an interventional approach; in this case, the patient may transition to the Specialized Outpatient Clinic for the interventional management of Parkinson’s Disease and other Movement Disorders.
Other forms of Parkinsonism, such as drug-induced or vascular parkinsonism, or parkinsonism due to Hydrocephalus, are also diagnosed and managed at the Specialized outpatient Clinic. The differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease from other parkinsonian syndromes, called Atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, may be difficult. The follow-up and management of such patients occurs in collaboration with the Specialized Clinic of rare dementias and atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
At the Outpatient Clinic we also diagnose and manage patients with Tremor, that may often be an indication of essential or dystonic tremor, and not Parkinson’s Disease. We also have special experience in the diagnosis and management of generalized or focal forms of Dystonia, for which, depending on the case, we may perform genetic testing, potentially in collaboration with Institutions abroad. For the management of focal forms of dystonia we may perform botulinum toxin injections. In the Outpatient Clinic we also follow subjects with Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders, such as Choreiform movements or myoclonus. Depending on the case, we may perform genetic testing for Chorea, in collaboration with the Neurogenetics Unit.
In the case that patients who are followed at the Specialized Clinic need admission to the hospital for a diagnostic work-up or management, they are admitted to Ward B of the First Department of Neurology.
Personnel of outpatient Clinic:
Neurologists/Physicians
Anastasia Bougea, MD, Neurologist, PhD candidate, Collaborating Scientist
Ioanna Pachi, MD, PhD candidate
Christos Koros, MD, PhD, Neurologist, Colaborating Scientist
Athanasios Leonardos, MD, Neurologist with training in Movement Disorders, Collaborating Scientist
Athina Simitsi, MD, MSc, Neurologist, PhD candidate, Collaborating Scientist
Maria Stamelou, MD, PhD, Neurologist with training in Movement Disoders, Academic Scholar
Christos Christodoulou, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Collaborating Scientist
Kostas Potagas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology-Neuropsychology service-apella.grnet.gr/apella/ui/auth/my-profile/details
Leonidas Stefanis, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology-Neurobiology
Other Personnel
Giannis Zalonis, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology-Neuopsychology
Elpida Panagiotounakou, MSc, Psychologist-Pscychotherapist with specialization in Stress management
Efthymia Efthymiopoulou, MSc, Psychologist-Neuropsychologist
Efthimios Schoinas, MSc, Physical Therapist-Occupational Therapist
Markos Zacahris, Social Worker
Chrysa Chrysovitsanou, PhD, Nurse, Head of Specialty outpatient Clinic of the First Department of Neurology, with specialization in the management of stress in chronic neurological conditions
CONTACT TELEPHONE
210-7251315