Movement disorders are a broad category of neurological conditions and symptoms that affect a person’s ability to move. Those with movement disorders may struggle with increased movements such as shaking, spasms and twitching or slowed, difficult movement. These disorders can affect voluntary movements and also cause excess involuntary movement.
All of your body’s movements are facilitated by the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. When damage or malfunctions occur, communication between the parts of your CNS to nerves and muscles in the body cause movement disorders. There are many types of movement disorders, varying in severity and symptoms. Some abnormal movements can be a symptom of neurological syndromes or disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or Tourette syndrome.
Getting your symptoms evaluated by a medical professional is important to getting the right diagnosis for your movement disorder. If you or a loved one are experiencing abnormal movements, you can trust our team of neurology specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Neurology to provide you with compassionate, high-quality diagnosis and care.
Symptoms of movement disorders
Because movement disorders are often very different, symptoms vary widely depending on what type of disorder you have. All movement disorders will cause abnormal movement, but location, presentation and additional symptoms may vary. Generally, symptoms of movement disorders may include:
- Uncontrollable movements, such as twitching, shaking, tremors or spasms
- Issues balancing or with coordination
- Difficulty performing tasks like writing or speaking
- Trouble walking or standing
It’s often normal to experience uncontrollable movements like random twitches or a case of the hiccups. Although this is true, persistent symptoms can be signs of a movement disorder. If you are experiencing abnormal changes in your movements, it’s important to see a medical professional to determine the cause.
Movement disorders we treat
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes rigidity, tremors and difficulty balancing.
Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that progressively damages the central nervous system, often causing involuntary movements or problems with walking and balancing.
Essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes the uncontrollable rhythmic trembling of the ands, head or voice.
Dystonia is a condition of repeated, sometimes painful, involuntary muscle spasms. These muscle contractions are a result of a part of the brain, the basal ganglia, functioning abnormally. People with dystonia often experience unwanted movements such as twisting of the body or repetitive muscle movements. Dystonia can have a variety of causes and sometimes may indicate a more serious condition like a tumor or stroke. While there is no cure for dystonia, there are many available treatments depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms. At NGPG Neurology, our specialists can help determine why you are experiencing dystonia, and develop a treatment plan to help you best manage your symptoms.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes discomfort in the legs when at rest, motivating frequent movement to alleviate the discomfort and causing sleep disturbances. Symptoms of RLS typically worsen in the evening or night when resting or sitting down. The sensations caused by RLS are described as a throbbing, aching or itching within the leg that can be temporarily relieved with movement. There is no known cause of RLS, but it can sometimes occur alongside other conditions like kidney failure or Parkinson’s disease. Treatment of RLS will depend on what underlying condition is causing it to happen. Our neurology specialists at NGPG Neurology can help root out any potential causes for your RLS and develop a treatment plan specific to your case.
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder caused by rare reactions to certain medications. This disorder is characterized by some loss of control over muscles in the face and involuntary repetitive movements of the eye, lips or tongue. Tardive dyskinesia is most commonly caused by long-term use of dopamine receptor-blocking medications used to treat psychiatric problems. However, Tardive Dyskinesia has been associated with the exposure to several types of drugs, including antipsychotic, antidepressant, anti-nausea, antihistamines and antiseizure medications. Treatment for tardive dyskinesia is dependent on the underlying cause. At NGPG Neurology, our team of specialists can work alongside our psychiatric physicians to determine the cause of your movement disorder and form a new treatment plan that works best for you.
How are movement disorders treated?
The diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders can be as varied as the disorders themselves, depending largely on the symptoms you are experiencing. While most movement disorders are not life threatening, some may be a signal of a more serious root cause. If you suspect you may have a movement disorder, getting seen by a healthcare professional is important to getting an accurate diagnosis and developing a course of action for treatment of your symptoms or underlying condition.
Choose NGPG for Movement Disorder treatment
NGPG Neurology offers access to specialty-trained neurologists, in partnership with NGPG neurosurgeons, neurointerventional surgeons, neuropsychiatrists and other specialists who provide high-quality care and up-to-date treatment for patients across North Georgia. Our team is equipped to diagnose and treat a wide variety of movement disorders and their symptoms.
If you or a loved one are struggling with issues related to a movement disorder, trust our experts at NGPG Neurology to provide both superior care and access to the latest medical advancements.