Movement Disorders

Movement disorders can cause shakiness, trembling, jerking, and even stiffness. If you have symptoms of a moving disorder, you know it can cause serious disruptions to daily tasks and life, including walking and eating. But there is hope for relief. The movement disorder specialists at WMCHealth have extensive experience in treating neurological movement disorders, with access to the latest research and innovative treatments. 

What Are Movement Disorders?

Movement disorders are a group of nervous system conditions that cause abnormal movement. It can involve either increased movement, including jerking and shaking, or decreased and slow movement. These disorders can affect voluntary movements, and they can also cause involuntary movements to occur.

Symptoms of Movement Disorders

The symptoms of a movement disorder vary depending on the condition. General symptoms include:

• Slowed movement
• Rigid or stiff limbs and trunk
• Coordination and balance problems
• Episodes of uncontrolled jerking, shaking, and tremors
• Difficulty with writing, speaking, swallowing, and walking

Some movement disorders such as Parkinson’s also present with non-motor issues, including:

• Depression
• Sleep issues
• Struggles with focusing
• Mood or behavior changes 

Diagnosing Movement Disorders

Movement disorders can be complex and may look like other conditions, so your doctor will likely need to perform several tests to get an accurate diagnosis in addition to a physical and neurological exam. These other tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests
• Muscle biopsy
• Lumbar puncture

Causes of Movement Disorders

Movement disorders happen when there is damage or a malfunction within some regions of the brain that control movement. Damage or malfunction may happen due to the following:

• Toxins
• Genetics
• Infections
• Medicines
• Nerve damage
• Metabolic disorders
• Vascular diseases or issues such as stroke

Some movement disorders can happen with no identifiable cause. 

Treatment of Movement Disorders

Treatment for movement disorders varies depending on the type, symptoms, and severity. Many movement disorders can not be cured, so most treatment focuses on symptom management. But there is hope. New techniques and technologies have proven to be effective. 

WMCHealth provides comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment plans that can bring relief and help improve your quality of life. 

Medications and Injections

Many medications have been developed to treat movement disorder symptoms with great success, allowing many people to live full lives. Injections, such as Botox, have also helped to relax muscles and reduce symptoms.

Therapies

Many different therapies can help strengthen muscles, improve mobility and speech, and help encourage healthy thoughts and behaviors. These therapies usually include:

• Psychotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a brain surgery that can help reduce motor symptoms for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and other tremors. DBD is usually used when medication has become less effective. It only treats motor issues and can not help with non-motor symptoms such as memory loss or behavior changes. 

Clinical Trials

Experts continually research and identify new movement disorder treatment techniques, such as gene therapies and stem cell transplants. At WMCHealth, we work in the spirit of science, aiming to discover the most innovative and effective treatments for our patients by conducting clinical trials. As an academic medical center, we are rooted in research and education for conditions such as movement disorders.