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Movement Disorders

Movement Disorders

If you notice changes in the way your body moves or you have a movement disorder diagnosis, turn to the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders (DCND), which provides services to adults in Centerville, Springfield, Eaton, Wilmington, Hillsboro, Beavercreek, and Huber Heights, Ohio. The highly trained neurology team offers treatments for movement disorders to restore musculoskeletal and neurological functioning. To get help for movement disorders, the first step is getting a referral from your primary care physician. Then, the office will call you to arrange an appointment.

Movement Disorders Q & A

What are movement disorders?

Movement disorders are described as neurological conditions that create problems with body movements. They may cause increases in voluntary or involuntary movements, decreased movements, or slowed voluntary movements. Treatment with the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders experts helps restore normal movements or reduce worsening problems.

What are the different types of movement disorders?

Examples of movement disorders include:

  • Tremors: involuntary shaking or trembling
  • Tourette syndrome: sudden involuntary sounds, twitches, or movements
  • Parkinson’s disease: trouble walking, tremors, or slowed movements
  • Ataxia: loss of muscle coordination
  • Huntington’s disease: reduced voluntary movements caused by nerve cell wasting
  • Dystonia: involuntary muscle contractions causing often painful repetitive movements
  • Restless legs syndrome: unpleasant feelings in your legs relieved by movement
  • Wilson’s disease: a disorder that causes excess copper buildup and neurological issues
  • Myoclonus: involuntary, brief muscle jerking or twitching
  • Tics: nonrhythmic, repetitive, involuntary movements

The symptoms you experience due to movement disorders depend on the type of disorder you have and how severe it is. Seek treatment right away to increase your chance of an effective outcome.

What are the risk factors for movement disorders?

The common causes and risk factors for developing movement disorders include:

  • Family history of movement disorders
  • Medications
  • Infections
  • Brain, peripheral nerve, or spinal cord damage
  • Stroke
  • Vascular diseases
  • Toxins
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Genetic mutations
  • Traumatic brain injury

In some cases, the cause of a movement disorder isn’t always clear.

How is a movement disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosing a movement disorder often involves a review of your symptoms and medical history, physical and neurological exams, blood tests, and nerve and brain activity testing. You might need a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), muscle biopsy, CT scan, or an MRI. 

How are movement disorders treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for a movement disorder may include one or more of the following:

  • Medications
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Mobility aids
  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
  • Deep brain stimulation
  • Botox® injections 
  • Lifestyle changes

The Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders team also offers infusions and neurology rehabilitation to minimize symptoms, pain, and the risk of disease progression. 

Participating in clinical trials with the help of the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders offers additional advanced treatment options. 

To receive a movement disorder evaluation at Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders, the first step is to obtain a referral from your primary care physician. Then the team will call you to set up your appointment.