Before the typical Parkinson’s motor symptoms appear, early signs may include:

· Loss of smell (hyposmia)

· Persistent constipation

· Sleep disturbances (such as REM sleep behavior disorder)

· Anxiety or depression

These symptoms are not easily associated with Parkinson's and may go unnoticed by both the patient and the healthcare provider.

Parkinson’s motor symptoms often appear asymmetrically, affecting one side of the body more than the other, especially in early stages. The most characteristic signs are:

· Bradykinesia: slowness of voluntary movements

· Resting tremor: especially in one hand or limb

· Muscle rigidity: resistance to movement, often painful

· Postural and gait disturbances: short steps, shuffling, difficulty turning

These symptoms may precede motor signs or worsen in later stages:

· Sleep disorders

· Fatigue or apathy

· Chronic pain

· Mood or cognitive changes

· Swallowing or balance disorders

In more advanced stages, reduced postural reflexes and cognitive decline may occur, significantly affecting quality of life.

In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, medications such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, or MAO-B inhibitors are effective in controlling symptoms. Over time, motor complications may arise, such as on-off fluctuations or dyskinesias, which require treatment adjustments or reassessment.

Physical rehabilitation, speech therapy, neuropsychology, and adapted exercise help maintain autonomy and improve quality of life. Psychological and social support are also essential for comprehensive Parkinson's care.

When symptoms are not adequately controlled with medication, treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or HIFU are considered. Both are safe and effective procedures performed by the Functional Neurosurgery team at Hospital Clínic, pioneers in these techniques.

The Movement Disorders Unit at barnaclínic+ is led by internationally renowned specialists with over 30 years of experience in diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonisms. Our approach is based on personalized medicine, tailored to each patient's stage and needs, offering close, compassionate, and committed care.

Thanks to our DET model (Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment), we offer a fast, coordinated, and efficient pathway-both outpatient and short-stay admissions. We reduce usual waiting times while ensuring high clinical standards. We also have one of the most advanced neurological ICUs in the world.

We offer the most advanced technological resources for diagnosing and monitoring Parkinson's disease, including functional neuroimaging, specific complementary tests, and intraoperative CT verification systems. This equipment ensures safe, precise decision-making at every treatment stage.

We offer highly specialized, minimally invasive Parkinson's surgery, based on:

· No medication withdrawal or head shaving, improving patient experience and recovery

· Surgery under general anesthesia with intraoperative CT verification, avoiding the discomfort of awake surgery

· Reduced surgical time and possibility of completing the procedure in a single session

· Minimal hospital stay: fast postoperative recovery, with a maximum 3-day admission

Our Hospitalization Suite combines the highest clinical standards with top-tier hospitality services. We respect the patient's privacy, confidentiality, and comfort at all times, with nursing care specialized in neurological patients.

barnaclínic+ is part of Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, one of Europe's leading hospitals. Our center stands out for its scientific impact, leadership in medical innovation, and training capacity, attracting professionals from around the world. This background guarantees top-tier care and access to the latest advances in Parkinson's treatment.