Movement disorders affect how your body moves. They can make everyday things like walking, writing or speaking harder. Our team uses advanced testing and personalized care to help manage symptoms, support independence and improve movement.
Moving forward with a movement disorder
Movement disorders happen when changes in the brain or spinal cord affect how the body moves. Some are linked to genetic or autoimmune conditions that affect nerves and muscles. These conditions can cause tremors, stiffness, unwanted movements or trouble with balance and coordination.
Movement disorders do not cause muscle weakness. Instead, they affect how smooth and controlled movement feels. Some conditions lead to too little movement, like Parkinson’s disease. Others cause too much movement, like Huntington’s disease.
Understanding the type and cause of a movement disorder is the first step to care. We use advanced testing and personalized treatments to understand what is going on, manage symptoms and create a plan that helps you stay independent and in control.
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Conditions
Movement disorders affect muscle control, coordination, balance and posture. Symptoms can overlap and make everyday activities harder. We care for a wide range of movement disorders, including:
- Ataxia: Causes clumsy movements and unsteady walking. Daily tasks like writing, eating or reaching for objects can feel harder. Examples include spinocerebellar ataxia and ataxia related to stroke or multiple sclerosis.
- Ballism: A rare condition that causes sudden, flinging movements of an arm or leg. Often linked to injury or stroke in a specific part of the brain.
- Chorea (Huntington's disease): Causes unpredictable, uncontrolled movements and trouble with coordination and balance.
- Dystonia: Muscles tighten involuntarily, leading to twisting movements, repetitive motions or unusual postures. Examples include cervical dystonia, writer’s cramp and blepharospasm.
- Essential tremor: Causes rhythmic shaking, usually in the hands, but it can affect the head, voice or arms. Daily tasks like holding objects or writing may be harder.
- Myoclonus: Sudden jerks or twitches in muscles that happen unexpectedly. Can be linked to epilepsy, metabolic conditions or occur on their own.
- Parkinson’s disease: Causes slow movements, stiffness and tremor. Walking, balance and fine hand movements can also be affected.
- Parkinson-like conditions: Other conditions with Parkinson-like symptoms, including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy.
- Tic disorders (including Tourette’s syndrome): Repeated movements or sounds called tics. These can sometimes be held back temporarily but often come with a strong urge to happen.
Our team works with you to understand what’s causing your symptoms, manage movement challenges and support daily activities so you can stay active and independent.
Testing
Movement disorders can be tricky to diagnose because many share similar symptoms. Your doctor will start with a physical and neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, coordination and balance. In some cases, genetic testing may also be recommended to better understand your condition and guide care.
Additional tests may include:
- Blood tests: Help identify underlying causes or contributing factors.
- CT scan: Creates images of the brain and spinal cord to check for structural issues.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): Analyzes cerebrospinal fluid to look for infections or other conditions.
- MRI: Provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord to detect subtle changes.
- PET scan: Shows brain activity and can help identify specific disorders.
These tests help your care team confirm the type of movement disorder, guide treatment decisions and create a personalized plan to manage symptoms and support daily life.
Treatments
While many movement disorders do not have a cure, treatments can help manage symptoms, improve mobility and support daily life. Our goal is to keep you moving with a plan that fits your needs.
Treatment options may include:
- Botox injections: Relaxes muscles affected by dystonia or stiffness.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): A surgical option for select conditions to reduce tremors or stiffness.
- Medications: Tailored to your symptoms and their underlying causes.
- Mobility aids: Tools such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs to help you stay safe and independent.
- Occupational therapy: Helps you stay independent in daily activities like eating, dressing and writing.
- Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves balance and coordination, and supports everyday movement.
- Psychotherapy: Provides emotional support and coping strategies.
- Speech therapy: Supports communication and swallowing.
You may also be eligible for clinical trials exploring new therapies.
Our team works with you to find the right combination of treatments to support your mobility, independence and daily life.
FAQs
What are movement disorders?
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect muscle control, coordination, balance and posture. They can cause tremors, stiffness, involuntary movements, spasms or difficulty walking, writing, or speaking. These conditions can make daily tasks more challenging and affect overall quality of life.
What causes movement disorders?
Movement disorders can be caused by changes in the brain or spinal cord from a variety of causes that may include neurodegenerative, autoimmune, genetic conditions or may be secondary to side effects from medications or from injury to the nervous system. Some disorders develop gradually, while others appear suddenly. Understanding the underlying cause helps guide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How are movement disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a neurological and physical exam to assess muscle strength, reflexes, coordination and balance. Additional tests may include:
- Blood tests: Identify underlying conditions or contributing factors
- EEG (electroencephalogram): Measures brain activity
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or muscle biopsy: Investigate abnormalities or infections
- MRI or CT scans: Provide detailed images of the brain and spinal cord
- PET scan: Measures brain activity and can help distinguish among possible conditions
Early and accurate testing helps your care team confirm the type of movement disorder, guide treatment and create a personalized management plan.
Can movement disorders be treated?
While many movement disorders do not have a cure, treatments can help manage symptoms, improve mobility and support daily life. Treatment options include:
- Botox injections: Relaxes muscles affected by dystonia or spasticity
- Clinical trials: Access to promising new therapies for movement disorders
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Surgical treatment for select disorders
- Mobility aids: Canes, walkers or wheelchairs to maintain independence
- Occupational therapy: Maintains independence in activities like dressing, eating or writing
- Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves balance and supports daily movement
- Psychotherapy: Supports emotional well-being and coping strategies
- Speech therapy: Improves communication and swallowing
What symptoms should I watch for?
Symptoms vary depending on the disorder type and progression. Common signs include:
- Balance or gait problems
- Difficulty swallowing, writing or speaking
- Dystonia or involuntary movements
- Muscle twitches or spasms
- Tremors or shaking
When should I see a doctor?
Contact your care team if you notice new or worsening movement problems, loss of balance, coordination difficulties or changes that interfere with daily activities. Early evaluation allows for timely treatment, which can help slow progression and maintain independence.
Will treatment help me stay independent?
Yes. The goal of treatment is to create a personalized plan that supports independence, improves mobility, strengthens muscles and manages symptoms effectively, helping you continue activities that matter most.
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