Movement disorders affect millions worldwide, causing difficulties with voluntary and involuntary motions, ambulation, and coordination. One of the most common is Parkinson’s disease. Others are tremors and dystonia.
Let’s learn more about these nervous system problems and discuss how seeing a neurologist for movement disorders can help.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects parts of the brain that control movement. The symptoms include tremors (shaking), stiff, slow movements, and poor balance and coordination.
While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully understood, it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has revealed a lack of an important brain chemical called dopamine.
While Parkinson’s disease is not curable, successful management is possible. For example, medications help control the symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies improve motor skills, balance, and posture.
In addition, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a widely used technique for managing Parkinson’s disease. DBS involves surgically placing electrodes in specific areas of the brain. These electrodes deliver controlled electrical impulses to change specific brain cells and chemicals.
Approved by the FDA, deep brain stimulation can be an effective alternative to medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and other neurodegenerative disorders. While DBS does not cure PD per se, it can slow its progression and allow people to function better and enjoy an improved quality of life.
What Is Dystonia?
Dystonia is a neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions. These contractions lead to repetitive or twisting movements and abnormal postures. Dystonia can affect any part of the body, including the:
- Arms
- Legs
- Trunk
- Neck
- Eyelids
- Vocal cords
Dystonia may be either primary or secondary. Primary dystonia is caused by an underlying genetic mutation and typically appears in early adulthood. Secondary dystonia may be caused by co-existing medical conditions or even some medications.
Dystonia can also impact just one part of the body (focal dystonia), the entire body (general dystonia) or adjacent body parts (segmental dystonia). The most common types of dystonia involve the eye and the neck.
Treatment of dystonia is highly individualized and largely depends on the underlying health condition causing it. A care plan may include DBS, medications, BOTOX injections (to limit muscle movement), and more. Effective treatments should be developed by a neurologist and experts in physical, occupational, and speech therapy as needed.
What Are Tremors?
Tremors are rhythmic, involuntary movements. This uncontrollable shaking can range from mild to severe and occur anywhere in the body. However, the arms, legs, larynx (voice box), and head can also experience tremors.
Tremors are often associated with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, but they can also be a symptom of dystonia. As with other movement disorders, tremors may be treated with medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Neurologists look for specific patterns and characteristics of tremors to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
Tremors may happen when someone is still or at rest or occur with movement. Some tremors may be triggered by certain actions or emotions associated with stress or fatigue. Other tremors are spontaneous and have no apparent cause.
Are Dystonia and Tremors Related?
Dystonia and tremors are both movement disorders that involve involuntary muscle movements. While dystonia causes sustained contractions, tremors cause rhythmic movements. However, some forms of dystonia can also include tremors as a symptom.
How Can a Neurologist Help?
A neurologist is a specialized doctor with expertise in diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders. This physician has extensive knowledge of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
During your initial visit to see a neurologist for movement disorders, the doctor will conduct a physical examination to assess your muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination. The neurologist may also order imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to look for any abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord.
Additionally, a neurologist for movement disorders may perform electrophysiological tests to measure muscle and nerve electrical activity. This can help determine if there is any nerve damage or dysfunction.
Neurologists diagnose and treat many nervous system issues, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Migraines
- Dementia
- Multiple sclerosis
If you are diagnosed with a nervous system injury or long-term neurological condition, the neurologist will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy to improve coordination and movement and counseling to address any underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder.
Best Neurologists in West Orange, NJ
At Hudson MD Group West Orange, NJ, our multispecialty team of physicians, including both adult and pediatric neurologists, are highly trained in identifying and managing a variety of neurologic conditions. From headaches to seizures, we treat it all – and we employ a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. We deliver top-notch care which is patient-centered, compassionate, and evidence-based.
If you wish to discuss symptoms of neurological dysfunction or manage a chronic nervous system condition or injury, call us for an appointment at (973) 705-4914. You also may request your visit online.
We look forward to serving you!
