May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center

Southern Ocean Medical Center
Living Life to the Fullest
Proactive Care Helps
Woman with Parkinson’s
As an active woman in her 40s, Rosalia
Passaro was shocked to learn that the
tremors she had been experiencing in
her right hand were early symptoms
of Parkinson’s disease. “No one in my
family had ever really had a significant
illness,” says the Toms River resident.
Attention to Detail
“Rosalia was just 46 when we made
the diagnosis,” says Tommasina
Papa-Rugino, M.D., a neurologist
affiliated with Southern Ocean
Medical Center and part of Meridian
Neuroscience. “Usually, this disease
presents in people in their 60s. The
early signs are not always obvious,
and diagnostic testing is limited.
There is now a new scan, however, the
DaTscan, that serves to differentiate
Parkinson’s disease and a disease with
similar symptoms.”
According to Dr. Papa-Rugino, symptoms
can include motor signs, such as
difficulty with movements — especially
walking — and resting tremors or
rigidity and stiffness. Other nonmotor
symptoms may include sleep issues,
depression or anxiety, and pain. “It is
important to listen to your patient
and be proactive in treating the
nonmotor symptoms, as they can have
a significant effect on quality of life if
left untreated,” Dr. Papa-Rugino says.
“I recently turned 50, and my care
is going well. I have a challenging sales
job in the computer industry, and I
love to travel,” Rosalia says. “So far, I
am able to keep up with everything,
although sometimes I need to slow
down a little due to fatigue. I live a
normal life, and I don’t let this disease
control my life or define who I am.”
Having a physician she trusts helps
Rosalia maintain her positive attitude.
“I am so glad I have Dr. Papa-Rugino
following me through this,” Rosalia
says. “She explains everything to me.
I know she tries to be conservative
in the treatments because I am so
young and this disease is progressive.
She wants the treatments to be as
effective as possible for the longest
time possible before we move on to
other treatments.”
Dr. Papa-Rugino recognizes
that a treatment plan
must be tailored to each
patient. “There are
just a few new
medications that
can help treat
the variations of
motor symptoms
of the disease. And
for those patients
whose symptoms
no longer respond
Tommasina Papa-Rugino, M.D.
Board certified in Neurology
Manahawkin • 609-978-8870
to medications or whose symptoms
fluctuate with medication, there
is a technique called deep brain
stimulation, a neurosurgical
procedure, that has been found to be
effective,” Dr. Papa-Rugino explains.
Finding the Right Doctor
“I have a very good relationship
with Dr. Papa-Rugino,” says Rosalia.
“I appreciate everything she has
done for me regarding treatment
and education about my condition.
I feel confident that as my disease
progresses, she will provide the best
treatment. Her office has moved a
couple of times — but I just follow
her wherever she goes.”
– Joyce McFadden
Rosalia Passaro hasn’t let
Parkinson’s disease stand
in her way of pursuing a
successful career and
her love of travel. She
is able to maintain a
healthy lifestyle and
feels optimistic
about her future.
MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS
12
A Strategic Approach
to Treatment
Dr. Papa-Rugino notes Rosalia’s active
lifestyle is important. Parkinson’s
patients benefit from remaining
active, getting exercise, and having
physical therapy.
Hear from Our Experts
Listen to Tommasina Papa-Rugino, M.D., talk about
cutting-edge treatments available through Meridian
Neuroscience, such as the use of Botox to treat
migraines. View Dr. Papa-Rugino’s videos on this and other
topics at MeridianNeuroscience.com/directory.