Movement Disorder Care
Parkinson's Disease Care in Pasadena & Houston, TX
Parkinson's disease affects approximately 1 million Americans and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. At Family Neurology, Dr. Lisa Nassif Wright, MD — board-certified neurologist, Clinical Associate Professor at UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus, and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine — provides comprehensive Parkinson's disease care for patients in Pasadena, Houston, and SE Texas.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, effective treatment significantly improves quality of life. With the right medication management, physical therapy coordination, and regular neurological monitoring, many people with Parkinson's live full, active lives for years following diagnosis.
Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease often begins subtly. Early recognition leads to earlier treatment and better outcomes:
Tremor
Shaking, usually starting in one hand at rest — the most recognized sign
Slowed movement
Bradykinesia — movements become slower and smaller over time
Muscle stiffness
Rigidity in the arms, legs, or trunk — may limit range of motion
Balance problems
Postural instability, stooped posture, increased fall risk
Loss of smell
Reduced sense of smell can precede motor symptoms by years
Handwriting changes
Micrographia — handwriting becomes smaller and more cramped
Our Approach to Parkinson's Care
Parkinson's disease management requires ongoing neurological expertise. Dr. Nassif Wright provides:
- ✓Accurate diagnosis and staging — distinguishing Parkinson's from related conditions (essential tremor, Parkinson's plus syndromes)
- ✓Medication optimization — levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors and newer agents
- ✓Coordination with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
- ✓Non-motor symptom management — depression, sleep, constipation, cognitive changes
- ✓Long-term follow-up as disease progresses — same physician, continuity of care
- ✓Referral for advanced therapies (DBS, infusion therapies) when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of Parkinson's disease?
Early signs include tremor (usually starting in one hand at rest), slowed movement, muscle stiffness, and balance problems. Non-motor symptoms — loss of smell, sleep disturbances, constipation, and depression — can actually precede motor symptoms by several years. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, call 713-589-7020 for an evaluation.
What kind of doctor treats Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is treated by a neurologist. At Family Neurology in Pasadena, TX, Dr. Lisa Nassif Wright, MD — board-certified neurologist and Clinical Associate Professor at UTMB — provides comprehensive Parkinson's diagnosis and long-term management for patients across SE Houston.
Is Parkinson's disease curable?
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but symptoms can be significantly managed with medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Many people with Parkinson's live full, active lives for years — and even decades — following diagnosis with the right neurological care.
What is the difference between Parkinson's and essential tremor?
Essential tremor typically causes shaking during movement or while holding a position (action tremor), usually in both hands. Parkinson's tremor most often occurs at rest and is accompanied by slowed movement and stiffness. Accurate diagnosis matters because the treatments are different. Dr. Nassif Wright can distinguish between these conditions at your evaluation.
Your Neurologist
Dr. Lisa Nassif Wright, MD
Adult & Child Neurologist
Clinical Associate Professor UTMB · Baylor COM