Parkinson’s Patient Guide

Welcome!

This Parkinson’s guide is an effort to provide information helpful to patients.

This and the accompanying Epilepsy guide are meant for your benefit. Both guides will always be free.

You can help me by suggesting improvements and new articles for the site. I will try my best to accommodate your requests.

Let us travel this road together.

With my best wishes,

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar.

I am a Neurologist in Mumbai, India. I provide services as an Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai (India) and as a Parkinson’s specialist in Mumbai (India). Our team also provides Epilepsy surgery in India / Epilepsy surgery in Mumbai.

About Dr. Kharkar / Contact

Symptoms


Know 16 early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease [Easy]

Know 16 early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease [Easy]

Bradykinesia meaning [It’s not always Parkinson’s!]

Bradykinesia meaning [It’s not always Parkinson’s!]

Shuffling gait vs Festinating gait – Are you dragging your feet?

Shuffling gait vs Festinating gait – Are you dragging your feet?

Bradykinesia causes (including 3 Non-Parkinson’s causes)

Bradykinesia causes (including 3 Non-Parkinson’s causes)

Diagnosis


Parkinson’s diagnosis [Is a DAT scan/ F-DOPA PET scan needed?]

Parkinson’s diagnosis [Is a DAT scan/ F-DOPA PET scan needed?]

What can mimic Parkinson’s disease? [30+ Parkinson’s Misdiagnoses]

What can mimic Parkinson’s disease? [30+ Parkinson’s Misdiagnoses]

Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes


Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes [5 important mimics]

Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes [5 important mimics]

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy? [PSP meaning]

What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy? [PSP meaning]

What is MSA? [Multiple Systems Atrophy meaning]

What is MSA? [Multiple Systems Atrophy meaning]

Is there a Miracle Cure for PSP? [Rational PSP treatment & new research]

Is there a Miracle Cure for PSP? [Rational PSP treatment & new research]

Parkinson’s diagnosis [Is a DAT scan/ F-DOPA PET scan needed?]

Parkinson’s diagnosis [Is a DAT scan/ F-DOPA PET scan needed?]

Parkinson’s and Falling [Avoid falling and injuries!],  Prevention of Falls in Parkinson’s Disease – Drkharkar

Parkinson’s and Falling [Avoid falling and injuries!], Prevention of Falls in Parkinson’s Disease – Drkharkar

What can mimic Parkinson’s disease? [30+ Parkinson’s Misdiagnoses]

What can mimic Parkinson’s disease? [30+ Parkinson’s Misdiagnoses]

Who is a good candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Who is a good candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Parkinson’s – Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia), Drooling & Aspiration – drkhakar

Parkinson’s – Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia), Drooling & Aspiration – drkhakar

Slowing progression


Slowing Parkinson’s Progression [parkinson’s disease physical exercise], Physiotherapy Exercises For Parkinson’s Disease – drkharkar

Slowing Parkinson’s Progression [parkinson’s disease physical exercise], Physiotherapy Exercises For Parkinson’s Disease – drkharkar

Parkinsons coffee & Vitamin D

Slowing Parkinson’s Progression Exercise Slows Progression of Parkinson’s – drkharkar

Slowing Parkinson’s Progression Exercise Slows Progression of Parkinson’s – drkharkar

Slowing Parkinson’s Progression, Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease – drkhakar

Slowing Parkinson’s Progression, Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease – drkhakar

Medications


Medication Induced Parkinsonism [Avoid these medications if you have Parkinson’s!]

Medication Induced Parkinsonism [Avoid these medications if you have Parkinson’s!]

Entacapone & Tolcapone

Levodopa, Levodopa (Oral) Advanced Patient Information, Parkinson Disease Treatment in Mumbai – drkharkar

Dopamine Agonists: Ropinirole, Pramipexole, Rotigotine & Side Effect – drkharkar

Dopamine Agonists: Ropinirole, Pramipexole, Rotigotine & Side Effect – drkharkar

Amantadine Side Effects, Amantadine for Treating Parkinson’s Disease – drkharkar

MAO-B inhibitors: Rasagiline, Selegiline & Safinamide, Safinamide in the management of patients – drkharkar

Anticholinergics – Trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, biperiden etc.

ON-DEMAND TREATMENT FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE, The Advent of On-Demand Therapies in Parkinson Disease – Drkharkar

ON-DEMAND TREATMENT FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE, The Advent of On-Demand Therapies in Parkinson Disease – Drkharkar

Non-Motor Symptoms


What is the cause & treatment of Constipation in Parkinson’s disease?

What is the cause & treatment of Constipation in Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s and Falling [Avoid falling and injuries!],  Prevention of Falls in Parkinson’s Disease – Drkharkar

Parkinson’s and Falling [Avoid falling and injuries!], Prevention of Falls in Parkinson’s Disease – Drkharkar

How can you reduce Depression and Anxiety?

How can you reduce Depression and Anxiety?

rem sleep behavior disorder parkinson’s, A Neurologist’s Guide to REM Sleep Behavior Disorder – drkharkar

rem sleep behavior disorder parkinson’s, A Neurologist’s Guide to REM Sleep Behavior Disorder – drkharkar

Parkinson’s – Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia), Drooling & Aspiration – drkhakar

Parkinson’s – Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia), Drooling & Aspiration – drkhakar

Deep Brain Stimulation


What is Deep Brain Stimulation? How does DBS work? Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders – drkharkar

What is Deep Brain Stimulation? How does DBS work? Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders – drkharkar

Who is a good candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Who is a good candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

STN-DBS versus GPi-DBS – Which DBS location is best?

STN-DBS versus GPi-DBS – Which DBS location is best?

Best DBS Device for Parkinson’s in India

Best DBS Device for Parkinson’s in India

DBS procedure [5 steps including Levodopa Challenge Test & DBS surgery],  Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease – Drkhakar

DBS procedure [5 steps including Levodopa Challenge Test & DBS surgery], Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease – Drkhakar

What is the Deep Brain Stimulation Success rate for Parkinson’s? – Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease – Drkharkar

What is the Deep Brain Stimulation Success rate for Parkinson’s? – Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease – Drkharkar

DBS surgery risks & Deep Brain Stimulation side effects, Side Effects of DBS For Essential Tremor – Drkharkar

DBS surgery risks & Deep Brain Stimulation side effects, Side Effects of DBS For Essential Tremor – Drkharkar

Deep Brain Stimulation Cost in India [Reduce DBS cost!] – DBS Surgery in India – Drkharkar

Deep Brain Stimulation Cost in India [Reduce DBS cost!] – DBS Surgery in India – Drkharkar

DBS for Parkinson’s Disease – Realistic expectations.

DBS for Parkinson’s Disease – Realistic expectations.

Cause


Why are my hands shaking for no reason? – Hand tremor causes & treatment

Why are my hands shaking for no reason? – Hand tremor causes & treatment

What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease? Does a virus cause Parkinson’s disease?

What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease? Does a virus cause Parkinson’s disease?

Latest News/Research


Intranasal levodopa has been approved

Intranasal levodopa has been approved

Nice new video: Gut & Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease & Gut Health: The Microbiome Connection

Nice new video: Gut & Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease & Gut Health: The Microbiome Connection

Coronavirus / Covid and Parkinson’s : Parkinson’s Disease and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus / Covid and Parkinson’s : Parkinson’s Disease and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission.
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine. He is a board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist.

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai & Parkinson's specialist in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

He has trained in the best institutions in India, US and UK including KEM hospital in Mumbai, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA & Kings College in London.

Call 022-4897-1800

Send Message


NeuroPlus Epilepsy & Parkinson's Clinic - Dr. Kharkar IconNeuroPlus Epilepsy & Parkinson's Clinic - Dr. Kharkar

near LIC, Dr Balabhai Nanavati hospital, near LIC, Swami Vivekananda Road, LIC Colony, Vile Parle

4.6 87 reviews

  • Avatar Paras Prabhu ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Out patient is epileptic from about 10 years and her seizure gotten worse during the past year with the frequency of about 3-4 times a week.So we consulted … More Dr. Kharkar. He tried a few medicines, and within 1.5-2 months now the patient is feeling very well now. There are no seizures for 14 days currently.Dr. tried to keep medicines as minimum as possible. He also tried to keep the cost of the treatment minimum.When some of the medicines started showing side-effects, he was quick to switch the medicines to the better options.Overall I think we are getting a best of the available treatments. We thank you very much Dr. Kharkar.
  • Avatar Dr Shobha Sankhe ★★★★★ a month ago
    Dr Kharkar is gem of a doctor with tremendous patience, empathy, genuine concern for his patients .He guides them very methodically & scientifically … More for their neurological ill healthOur epilepsy patient is extremely happy with his treatment , Patient feels better by just visiting him too!May his selfless service to humanity flourish to reach all the needy patients!!
  • Avatar shrruti khanna ★★★★★ a month ago
    I consulted Dr Sidharth for my sister who has become very hyper and aggressive and we could not understand the issue. Keeping in mind she is someone with … More special needs Dr Sidharth was extremely understanding of the situation and did not put her through unnecessary investigation and avoided a very long stay at the hospital. He was infact more keen on her returning home to her natural environment. We highly appreciate Dr Sidharth for his effort and for looking into the matter with utmost care. It was a very difficult decision for my family to get my sister admitted but we are glad we did it under his care.Thankyou Doc.
  • Avatar Prashant Purohit ★★★★★ a month ago
    my name is prashant purohit. I m become completely bed ridden from last 9 months and was unable to walk. I couldnt find out the cause even after visiting … More many doctors and many hospital in Ahmedabad nd jodhpur.started losing hope. A good friend of mine suggested to visit a neurologist. After searching a lot, I came to know about Dr. Siddharth Kharkar and took his appointment in Nanavati Hospital. He examined and said that he suffered from \u201cPKD(PAROXYSMAL KNESIGENIC DYSKNESIA\u201c. He assured us to reverse this in 5 days time. And indeed this happened. I started recovering miraculously. today I am fully well fit I m walking as normal . Many Many thanks to Dr. Siddharth Kharkhar sir for giving me a new life.
  • Avatar Sanjay Pradhan ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    Dr. Kharkar is truly exceptional. He is extremely knowledgeable. But simultaneously, he is extremely patient and kind - taking the time and care to respond … More to all the questions. It is rare to come across a doctor who is not in a hurry to get on to the next patient, but instead, focuses on the one in front with full attention, expertise and compassion. A great experience.
  • Avatar N N ★★★★★ a year ago
    We visited Dr. Kharkhar for treatment regarding my mum - who is a multi-stroke patient and has aphasia. Certain medications were creating complications … More with her condition and Dr. Kharkhar was able to help mitigate the issue. We found him and his approach to be incredibly compassionate, considerate, individualized and patient-friendly. He advice is astute, up-to-date and empathetic. His treatment always comes from a deeply human place and is about seeing how to help the patient and their caregivers feel more at ease. Something that is quite rare and refreshing within the medical community.We feel that he genuinely cares about the patients that he is treating and is always kind and respectful in his communication. Moreover, his admin team is very efficient and prompt and it's a pleasure to deal with them.Would highly recommend Dr Kharkhar himself - though we must say our experience with Nanavati hospital itself has been less than ideal.Hope this helps.
  • Avatar Manish Ranjan ★★★★★ a year ago
    I have been visiting Dr Kharkar for treatment of my father. He is a very friendly doctor. He listens to our concerns with lot of patience. He also explains … More the issue in much greater details. He has really been of great help. My father is much better now.
  • Avatar Pinakin Shah ★★★★★ a year ago
    One of the best Dr. Gives complete attention and time to listen to patient's history, issues. Explains various options of treatment with pros and … More cons.
  • Avatar Lawrence Castellino ★★★★★ a year ago
    Exceptional experience with an expert,Dr. Kharkar is a knowledge house. It is rare nowadays to find doctors with patience, knowledge, and a flair for … More handling patient’s questions, besides Dr. Kharkar’s bedside manners are exemplary. I am privileged to be treated by such an amazing soul. I have told him and will repeat it here that “I am advancing my move back to India although I am a US Citizen, because I know I am in good hands and will be well taken care of. Thanks Dr. Kharkar for your selfless service!
  • Avatar Hemant Kansara ★★★★★ a year ago
    Great doctor!! Really appreciate.The doctor diagnosed to my sister correctly and start treatment, she has good improvement after taking medicine prescribed … More by doctor as no epilepsy attake. We have good experience with the doctor. Thank you

Noted as one of the best Neurologists in Mumbai

India Today Magazine - 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Outlook India Magazine - 2021, 2023

Ex-Assistant Professor, University of Alabama, USA

Outlook India - Best neurologist in Mumbai