At Endeavor Health, we understand how challenging movement disorders can be. We offer the expertise and access to innovative solutions to fully support your care journey.

What are movement disorders?

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect your ability to control and coordinate body movements. These conditions may include symptoms such as tics, inability to coordinate movements,  tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement that may affect your everyday activities.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common movement disorders and is characterized by the presence of tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement and balance problems. It is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms tend to worsen over time. However, with appropriate treatment, Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be controlled and patients can lead active and meaningful lives.

Types of movement disorders we treat

Movement disorders can present in many forms, each with unique symptoms:

  • Parkinson's disease: A progressive disorder characterized by tremors, stiffness and slow movements, often making routine activities more difficult
  • Essential tremor: A common condition causing rhythmic shaking, especially in the hands, which may interfere with tasks like writing or eating
  • Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that lead to twisting or repetitive movements, which can affect any part of the body
  • Ataxia: Lack of muscle coordination that impacts balance, speech and fine motor skills, often leading to difficulty walking or performing daily tasks

Diagnostic tests & screenings

During your visit, a neurologist specializing in movement-disorders will ask about your specific symptoms and when they happen, as well as obtaining a detailed medical and family history. You can expect questions about the onset of your symptoms, their progression, and any factors that may make them better or worse.

To understand what type of movement disorder you are experiencing, your neurologist will conduct a thorough neurological assessment, using internationally accepted, standardized assessment methods. Depending on the type and combination of symptoms, brain scans or other specialized tests may be needed to obtain an accurate diagnosis and understand the disease’s progress.

To diagnose movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, the following brain imaging tests are useful:

MRI or CT scans

These imaging tests can help to  exclude other possible causes of your symptoms besides Parkinson’s disease.

DaTscan

A specialized imaging test that helps visualize the specific areas of the brain that produce dopamine-to see how they are functioning. This helps us understand if Parkinson’s disease is the cause of the symptoms.

Medication

Medicines can help manage symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, and involuntary movements. For Parkinson's disease, drugs such as levodopa are used to increase dopamine levels.

Used for conditions like dystonia to relax muscles and reduce unwanted contractions.

Physical therapy can improve strength and mobility, while occupational therapy helps individuals adapt to daily tasks and maintain independence.

A surgical treatment that involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to help regulate abnormal movement signals, especially for those not responding to medication.

Research on movement disorders

At Endeavor Health, we are committed to being on the leading edge of the most innovative therapies for movement disorders and contributing to research to uncover the causes and prognosis of these conditions.

Learn more about research and clinical trials

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Start your journey to better movement

A movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease is extremely challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Endeavor Health, our expert team works with you to understand your needs and provide the compassionate, personalized care you deserve.

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Frequently asked questions

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that interfere with the ability to control voluntary movement, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and difficulty with coordination.

The causes can vary depending on the type of movement disorder. Parkinson’s disease is often due to a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, while other disorders may have genetic, environmental or unknown origins.

Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, neurological examination and imaging tests like MRI, CT scans or specialized imaging like DaTscan.

Treatment can include medications, physical or occupational therapy and in some cases, surgical options like deep brain stimulation to help manage symptoms.

Many movement disorders cannot be cured, but treatments can help manage symptoms effectively, allowing individuals to maintain a good quality of life.

Physical therapy can improve balance, strength and mobility, which are often impacted by movement disorders, helping to maintain independence and reduce the impact of symptoms.

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If you’ve noticed symptoms like tremors or involuntary movements, schedule an appointment with our neurology team at Endeavor Health. We’ll work with you to determine the cause and empower you to take the steps that are right for you. We’re in this together.

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Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute provides advanced care for brain, spine and neurological conditions. With world-class specialists and a commitment to innovation, we’re here to improve lives through compassionate, personalized neurological care.

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