Overview of Movement Disorders
Movement disorders are characterized by difficulty controlling body movement. Muscles can involuntarily contract — causing increased movement like shaking, twisting or jerking — or they can slow down, causing stiffness, imbalance and a decline in cognition (the ability to learn and retain information).
We're proud to be able to offer the Central Valley expert functional neurosurgery services to treat movement disorders, including:
Dystonia
Dystonia causes a loss of voluntary muscle control and it can affect specific parts of the body, or the body as a whole. Those with the condition may experience difficulty with movement, trouble swallowing and speaking, or vision problems.Tests:
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Blood or urine tests
Treatment:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS), where an electrode is attached to the brain to control or minimize symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.
Signs and symptoms of the disease can be different for everyone but may include:
- Tremor
- Difficult or slow movement
- Problems with posture or balance
- Changes in speech or writing
Tests:
- There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The condition will be diagnosed based on your medical history, a review of your signs and symptoms and a neurological and physical examination.
Treatments:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Ancillary Treatment Modalities
- Medical Management
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is characterized by an unpleasant feeling in, and an uncontrollable urge to move, your legs or feet — usually at night when you're lying down or sitting. Often, the sensation is relieved temporarily by moving the leg or foot.Tests:
- Your doctor will look at your symptoms and medical history to make an assessment.
Treatment:
- Sometimes taking care of an underlying cause for RLS can minimize the symptoms; for example, increasing iron to correct a deficiency that's triggering the RLS.
If there's no underlying condition, medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.
Tremor
Tremor, the most common movement disorder, is an involuntary movement of a body part or parts. There are different kinds of tremors with different underlying causes, from diseases like diabetes or Parkinson's, to exposure to toxins, alcohol withdrawal or drug use.Tests:
- Physical examination to assess the tremor
- Blood or urine tests
- Diagnostic imaging
Treatment:
- Medication
- Physical, speech and/or occupational therapy
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
