Movement Disorders Parkinson's Disease
The term movement disorders refers to a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal movement. Depending on the specific disorder, movement may be abnormally rapid, slowed down, or involuntary. Movement disorders may stem from natural causes, such as genetics, metabolic issues, vascular disease, or stroke. These disorders may also be due to an infection, exposure to toxins, side effects of a medicine, or damage to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.
There are many different movement disorders. The more common types are listed below:
- Ataxia refers to the loss of muscle coordination. Ataxia can have a variety of causes, ranging from genetic defects to alcoholism to a variety of metabolic conditions.
- Dystonia describes involuntary muscular contractions that can be quite painful.
- Huntington's disease is a hereditary genetic defect that causes wasting of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. Because it affects thinking and behavior, Huntington’s disease is also classified as a neurocognitive disorder.
- Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that causes tremors, abnormally slow movement, and gait issues. Like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s eventually affects cognition and can also be considered a neurocognitive disorder.
- Tourette syndrome is a genetic condition. Tics – sudden movements, twitching, sounds, and involuntary verbal outbursts – are the hallmark of the condition.
- Tremor is a term used to describe involuntary muscle contraction that causes shaking in one or more parts of the body. Like ataxia, tremor can be a symptom of a variety of conditions.
- Essential tremor is a disorder in which the hands shake involuntarily. The trunk, head, and voice may be involved as well but trembling hands is the most common symptom.
Our neurologists treat the full range of movement disorders. Some can be cured through prescription medicine. Others, such as tremor and ataxia, require treatment for an underlying disease. Physical and/or occupational therapy can be helpful in some cases. Our specialists also offer:
- Botulinum toxin (i.e., Botox), which can be used in dystonia patients to help relax the muscles
Specialty Clinic
The Eisenhower Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Clinic is recognized for the expertise of its clinicians and for its personal and compassionate care. The goal of our center is to provide a multidisciplinary team approach tailored to the specific needs of the individual patient and the family. more
Providers
Location & Directions
Eisenhower Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Clinic
- Probst Building
- 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Suite 311
- Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Sources:
- https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Movement-Disorders
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465
- https://www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/About/Movement-Disorder-Overviews/Tremor--Essential-Tremor.htm
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/brain-neurological-conditions/movement-disorders
