The term “movement disorders” refers to a group of different neurological conditions that cause symptoms like voluntary and involuntary abnormal movements. Movement disorders also can involve slow or reduced movements. Here at the Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, we see many different types of movement disorders in our patients. One of the most common types of movement disorders is Parkinson’s disease. If you are suffering from Parkinson’s disease or any other type of movement disorder, schedule an appointment at one of our clinics and speak with a movement disorder specialist ASAP to start getting the treatment you need. But first thing’s first, what is a movement disorder specialist, exactly?
Movement Disorder Specialists: What We Can Do for You
Unlike a general neurologist, a movement disorder specialist focuses on treating specific conditions that affect movement. Just like any other specialist, a movement disorder specialist will work together with the rest of your healthcare team to create the best care plan for you. As a first step, movement disorder specialists can provide you with the information and understanding you need to better manage your symptoms.
Movement disorder specialists must go through two years of extra training after medical school, mainly focused on Parkinson’s disease, to qualify for the position. Dr. Sundaram of the Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders is a trained movement disorder specialist and a senior member of the International Movement Disorders Society. If you are trying to decide between multiple movement disorder specialists to visit, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone as experienced and attentive as Dr. Sundaram. Schedule your appointment today.
What Are the Different Types of Movement Disorders?
Common types of movement disorders include:
- Ataxia — Ataxia affects the cerebellum and can cause loss of coordination, reduced control of limb movement, and other symptoms.
- Chorea — Chorea involves repetitive, irregular movements, mostly involving the face, mouth, arms, and legs.
- Functional movement disorder — This type of disorder refers to a set of symptoms that resembles a movement disorder but is not due to a neurological disease.
- Huntington’s disease — Huntington’s disease is a genetically inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by chorea, and often involves other psychiatric and cognitive conditions alongside irregular movements.
- Myoclonus — Myoclonus involves rapid muscle jerks, which can be isolated to specific areas of the body or involve groups of muscles.
- Parkinson’s disease — Parkinson’s disease symptoms include tremors, unsteadiness or loss of balance, slowed-down movements, rigidity, and other symptoms. It can also cause symptoms unrelated to movement.
- Parkinsonism — This term denotes symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s that aren’t due to Parkinson’s disease.
- Restless legs syndrome — This common neurological disorder causes legs to feel uncomfortable, in particular while laying down. Relief is often found with movement.
- Tardive dyskinesia — Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological condition resulting from long term use of neuroleptic drugs. It can involve symptoms such as extra eye blinking, grimacing, and other uncontrolled movements.
- Tourette syndrome — The symptoms of Tourette’s usually start during childhood or teenage years. It is characterized by repetitive motor tics and/or vocal tics.
- Tremor — Tremors are characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking of certain body parts, like your hands or your head.
Of these types of movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease is most paradigmatic and therefore the primary focus of movement disorder specialists.
What Can a Movement Disorder Specialist Do for People With Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms. Therefore, there is no alt: one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. A movement disorder specialist is specifically trained to identify what would be most effective for you. A general neurologist certainly will help you with managing your symptoms, but a movement disorder specialist will be able to provide more personalized treatment, due to their additional knowledge and experience. A movement disorder specialist may prescribe medication for your specific symptoms, as well as give advice for adjusting your lifestyle to best manage your symptoms.
If you have Parkinson’s — no matter if you were just diagnosed or you have had it for years — it can be extremely beneficial to see a movement disorder specialist. Schedule your appointment with a movement disorder specialist in Dallas-Fort Worth today!
Where Can I Find a Movement Disorder Specialist?
If you are looking for a movement disorder specialist, there are some directories out there you can rely on to easily find the best one for your specific needs. First, Parkinson’s Foundation has a search tool that lets you search for expert PD centers. Second, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society has a directory you can use to find movement disorder specialists. There will usually be a movement disorder specialist at all large teaching hospitals or hospitals that are associated with a university.
How to Prepare For a Visit to a Movement Disorder Specialist
Once you’ve decided to make an appointment with a movement disorder specialist, there are a few things you can do to help ensure you get the most out of your first appointment.
For the Appointment
- Make a list of questions you want to ask
- Chart your symptoms every day, starting at least a week in advance, so you have a detailed record you can show the doctor
- Write down all medications you’re currently taking
- Bring along a trusted friend or loved one
- Be ready for extensive testing, as the appointment may take a few hours
A movement disorder specialist is an important part of your overall healthcare team, so make sure you find one that has the experience and treatment approach that works best for you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sundaram or one of the other movement disorder specialists at the Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, reach out to us online or by phone today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders began in Denison, Texas in 1978. Back then, neurology practice was in its infancy. However, since then, TIND has grown into the largest private practice neurology group in North Texas. Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders’ practice includes both in-hospital and office-based neurologists. Our practice currently treats patients with a wide variety of neurological diseases out of nine different offices around North Texas. We also have neurologists extending up into Southern Oklahoma. If you are suffering from Parkinson’s or some other neurological disorder, including movement disorders, reach out to our team today and schedule an appointment!