Advanced Treatment at George Kakoulides, M.D.
Over the past decade, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease have been steadily increasing across the United States — and Long Island is no exception. With an aging population and growing awareness, diagnoses are becoming more frequent, making specialized care more critical than ever.
At George Kakoulides, M.D., we are proud to be leaders in functional neurosurgery and movement disorder treatment on Long Island, offering advanced care and cutting-edge procedures to help patients regain control and improve their quality of life.
Movement Disorders Are on the Rise — Especially on Long Island
According to data from the Parkinson’s Foundation, the number of Americans living with Parkinson’s disease is expected to surpass 1.2 million by 2030 — a 30% increase from a decade ago. On Long Island, where the population is older than the national average, the trend is especially noticeable.
Recent regional studies and clinical trends indicate:
- A 20–25% increase in diagnosed Parkinson’s cases over the past 10 years
- Higher-than-average prevalence of essential tremor, dystonia, and atypical parkinsonism in Nassau and Suffolk counties
- More patients seeking specialized care earlier in their disease progression
This shift underscores the growing need for specialized neurosurgical care that goes beyond medication management — and that’s where our team comes in.
Movement Disorders Do Not Only Affect the Elderly
While many people associate Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders with advanced age, the truth is these conditions affect a wide range of age groups.
- Roughly 4% of Parkinson’s cases are diagnosed before age 50 — a condition known as young-onset Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor can begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and many patients experience symptoms for decades before seeking treatment
- Dystonia often presents in childhood or adolescence, especially in cases of generalized or genetic dystonia
- Tourette syndrome and tics commonly begin between ages 5 and 15, though symptoms can persist into adulthood
- Women in their 30s and 40s are more frequently diagnosed with cervical dystonia and task-specific focal dystonia
At George Kakoulides, M.D., we treat patients across the lifespan. Whether symptoms begin in childhood or later in life, early intervention is key to improving function and managing disease progression.
What Are Movement Disorders?
Movement disorders refer to neurological conditions that affect the speed, smoothness, and control of voluntary movements. At George Kakoulides, M.D., we specialize in the full range of these conditions, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor
- Dystonia
- Tourette syndrome
- Atypical Parkinsonian syndromes (e.g., MSA, PSP, CBD)
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Huntington’s disease
Each of these conditions can have a profound impact on daily function — and early, expert care is key to managing symptoms effectively.
Expertise in Functional Neurosurgery
As a recognized leader in functional neurosurgery on Long Island, Dr. George Kakoulides and his team are at the forefront of treating movement disorders with advanced surgical techniques. Functional neurosurgery refers to procedures that target specific brain regions responsible for abnormal movement, using precise, minimally invasive technology.
Key treatment options we offer include:
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):
A proven surgical option for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. DBS involves implanting electrodes in targeted areas of the brain to regulate abnormal signals. Patients often experience dramatic symptom improvement and reduced need for medication.
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS):
A non-invasive procedure for tremor control that uses sound waves to target brain tissue without incisions.
Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB):
Used for spasticity management, this implantable pump delivers medication directly to the spinal cord, offering relief with fewer systemic side effects.
Botulinum Toxin Injections:
Highly effective for focal dystonia, hemifacial spasm, and other localized movement issues.
At George Kakoulides, M.D., our team customizes every treatment plan, balancing conservative management with surgical options to meet each patient’s goals.
Why Choose George Kakoulides, M.D. for Movement Disorder Care?
- Decades of neurosurgical experience
- Leading functional neurosurgery practice on Long Island
- Multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach
- Access to advanced diagnostics and imaging
- Comprehensive evaluation and long-term support
Patients trust Dr. George Kakoulides not only for his surgical precision but also for his deep understanding of neurological disease progression and treatment.
