Our Approach to Movement Disorders

We have extensive experience in treating a wide range of movement disorders. We develop a personalized strategy that can include therapy, exercise, and medications to help control your symptoms.

Our team understands the toll a movement disorder can have and is available to provide emotional support as part of our comprehensive treatment plan.

Types of Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are usually categorized as the following:

• Hyperkinetic disorders: excess movement
• Hypokinetic disorders: small or slow movement

We treat the following types of movement disorders:

• Ataxia/gait-balance disorders
• Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions)
• Essential tremors
• Huntington’s disease
• Myoclonus (quick, involuntary muscle jerk)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Restless leg syndrome
• Spasticity
• Tourette’s syndrome

Movement Disorder Diagnosis

Our physicians perform a complete physical and neurological exam. We evaluate your

• Cognitive function (memory and thinking)
• Gait (the way you walk)
• Reflexes

Other diagnostic tests for movement disorders include the following:

• Electromyography (EMG): We use small needles with electrodes to measure nerve and muscle function. This test can tell us if your muscles don’t respond normally to electrical stimulation.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI creates highly detailed images of your body. We can assess your muscles, brain, and spinal cord to get to the root of your mobility issues. 

Movement Disorder Treatments

Our multispecialty team works together to tailor treatment plans to your unique symptoms and needs. Our goal is to improve your quality of life through medication, rehabilitation, or other therapies.

Oral medications and therapeutic injections are two common treatments for movement disorders. Many people, especially those with dystonia or spasticity, benefit from botulinum toxin injections (Botox®). This drug interrupts communication between muscles and nerves, minimizing involuntary movement.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

We offer DBS for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and dystonia. Electrodes implanted in the brain disrupt nerve pathways that cause abnormal motor functions (muscle movement).

Our experts use the innovative Brainlab® 3D robotic brain-mapping system to ensure DBS is performed safely and accurately. Learn more about deep brain stimulation.

Rehabilitation for movement disorders

We provide outpatient rehabilitation for a range of movement disorders. Licensed therapists help you improve balance, mobility, and stability.