Movement Disorders

What are movement disorders?

Movement disorders encompass many neurological conditions affecting your muscles and ability to control body movements.

At the Center for Neurology and Spine, their expert team cares for the full range of movement disorders, which includes over a dozen conditions. 

Three movement disorders they frequently treat include:

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing nerves that control muscle movements. The disease progresses as more nerves die, worsening existing symptoms and leading to new muscle and non-muscle (motor) problems.

Tremor

Tremors are involuntary (uncontrollable), repetitive muscle movements that cause trembling in one part of your body. The shaking often develops in your hands and arms but can also affect your legs, head, trunk, and voice.

Tremors are a symptom of many movement disorders. However, essential tremor is also a neurological disorder.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

RLS causes irresistible urges to move your legs together with unpleasant and uncomfortable leg sensations like pulling, itching, tingling, and crawling. RLS symptoms worsen when you’re inactive, whether sitting for a long time or at bedtime.

People with RLS have a hard time sleeping because the sensations prevent them from falling asleep or waking them during the night.

What symptoms do movement disorders cause?

The Center for Neurology and Spine team has extensive experience identifying movement disorders and their many possible symptoms.

RLS causes the leg symptoms described above. Other movement disorders cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Rigid or stiff muscles
• Loss of balance
• Slowed movement
• Impaired coordination
• Stooped posture
• Difficulty walking (taking shorter steps, dragging your feet)
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Uncontrollable arm, leg, head, neck, or upper body movements

People with Parkinson’s disease also develop non-motor symptoms, including mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and memory loss (dementia).

How are movement disorders treated?

The Center for Neurology and Spine team specializes in advanced diagnostics, including electroencephalograms (EEGs), electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Your provider creates personalized treatment plans to control your symptoms, slow disease progression, and support your overall health. Each disorder requires different treatments, but most need medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

You can depend on the Center for Neurology and Spine to provide advanced medical care and emotional and behavioral support for movement disorders. Call the office or connect online to request an evaluation and start customized treatment.