Rebecca Lalchan, DO

When I was growing up in Brooklyn, I witnessed how Parkinson’s disease can affect a loved one. My aunt was diagnosed with the condition, and my family saw her struggle with daily living because of deteriorating motor skills. She had trouble climbing stairs, getting to doctor’s appointments, and attending family events like weddings.

By the time I was in college, I knew I wanted to study movement disorders and improve the lives of people who have Parkinson’s disease and similar conditions.

At NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, I offer thorough clinical exams assessing a person’s health history and symptoms to diagnose movement disorders. These include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, which are involuntary muscle contractions. I also see children and adults who have motor tics, which are rapid, repetitive muscle movements.

I enjoy educating patients and their caregivers about movement disorders and the best-available treatment options. I care for both the patient and family.

I prescribe a variety of medications to manage symptoms, such as tremor, muscle stiffness, and slow movement. I also offer ultrasound-guided injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, to help control tremors.

If these treatments do not alleviate symptoms, I may refer patients for deep brain stimulation at the Center for Neuromodulation in Manhattan. This treatment requires surgical implantation of an electrode in the brain. The electrode is connected to a pulse generator placed under the skin, near the collarbone. After surgery, patients follow up with me in Brooklyn, so I can program the pulse generator to deliver the appropriate strength of electrical stimulation to control tremors.

High-intensity focused ultrasound, also offered at the Center for Neuromodulation, is another approach I may recommend to manage tremor. This treatment involves delivering a highly focused ultrasound beam to destroy the portion of brain tissue causing unwanted movement.

I also refer patients to mental health services for anxiety and depression, which can arise with a movement disorder diagnosis. In addition, I prescribe and help patients access at-home physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech therapy. I ensure families find ways to safely continue to take care of their loved ones at home.