Telehealth Effective in Managing Patients With Movement Disorders
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Two studies from different parts of the world demonstrated telehealth's ability to increase access to care and manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Researchers presented their findings at the International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders. One of the studies — from Kenya, Africa — documented a 2-year experience with telemedicine in a rural patient population.
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@michell Telemedicine bridged the gap between rural doctors and patients in several ways. It enabled physicians to discuss cases with neurologists in and out of Kenya. More than 100 patients were diagnosed with a movement disorder and enrolled in care and follow-up during this 2-year time. Patients averaged about 62 years of age and more than 60% were male. Parkinson's disease was the most common diagnosed condition (38.9%) followed by drug-induced movement disorders (30.6%), dystonia (11.1%), and functional movement disorders (11.1%).