Movement Disorders Specialist

What are movement disorders?

Movement disorders are a group of nervous system conditions that cause involuntary or abnormal movements, such as twitches, shakiness, or slowed movements. Movement disorders are often debilitating or make you feel embarrassed. Treatment from Complete Neurological Care can reduce unpleasant symptoms. 

What are the different types of movement disorders?

Common types of movement disorders include:

• Parkinson's disease - neurodegenerative disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, and imbalance
• Parkinsonism - produces symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease
• Epilepsy - neurological disorder that causes unusual sensations or seizures 
• Progressive supranuclear palsy - neurological disorder that causes eye movement and balance problems
• Restless legs syndrome - causes unpleasant feelings in the legs while trying to sleep
• Tardive dyskinesia - neurological condition that causes repetitive, involuntary movements 
• Ataxia - uncoordinated or clumsy balance and limb movements
• Cervical dystonia - causes spasms or intermittent neck contractions
• Chorea - repetitive, irregular, brief involuntary movements 
• Dystonia - involuntary muscle contractions with repetitive, twisting movements 
• Functional movement disorder - a movement disorder without a neurological disease
• Huntington's disease - progressive, neurodegenerative, uncontrolled movement disorder with impaired cognitive abilities 
• Multiple system atrophy - progressive neurological disorder that affects multiple brain systems
• Myoclonus - causes sudden, quick muscle jerks
• Tourette syndrome - neurological condition that causes repetitive movements and vocal sounds
• Tremors - movement disorder that causes rhythmic, involuntary shaking 
• Wilson's disease - inherited disorder that causes copper buildup in the body and neurological problems

Your provider diagnoses the type of movement disorder you have and its cause to develop an effective treatment plan.

How is a movement disorder diagnosed?

To determine what’s causing a movement disorder, your Complete Neurological Care specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and neurological examination. 

That might include electroencephalogram, or placing metal electrodes against your scalp to measure brain electrical impulses, or evoked potential to stimulate specific neural pathways. Electromyography measures muscle-electrical activity to assess the cause of tremors. Your specialist may recommend you undergo blood tests or imaging procedures, too.

What are common treatments for movement disorders?

Common movement disorder treatments include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• IV medications
• Other medications
• IV vitamin therapy
• Diet and other lifestyle changes
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Deep brain stimulation
• Botox® injections
• Surgery

Your Complete Neurological Care specialist personalizes each treatment to match your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. They follow up with you to ensure your treatment works effectively. 

Don’t live with movement disorders that negatively affect your quality of life when treatments at Complete Neurological Care can reduce your symptoms. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment or book online today.