Movement disorders is a group of neurological disorders that consist of the motor and movement systems. Some of these diseases include:
The common feature among these disorders is that the parts of the brain that are affected are part of the same system. The group of structures often entangled in these abnormalities includes the basal ganglia (a large cluster of cells that lie deep in the hemispheres of the brain). The anatomic and biochemical connections from the basal ganglia to other parts of the brain are extremely complex, and not fully understood. Although the actual weakness can develop in some pathological states involving the basal ganglia, most of these diseases affect an individual’s speed, quality and ease of movement.
| Resources | ||||||
|
||||||
 Do you suffer from Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia or some other type of movement disorder? If so, you may qualify for treatment and/or a surgical procedure to help alleviate your symptoms. Download and print out a copy of our patient questionnaire. Complete all sections and return to Georgetown University Hospital. |
||||||
|
Activa Therapy (Also called Deep Brain Stimulation or a Brain Pacemaker)
|
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. Characteristic primary symptoms or Parkinson’s include tremors, rigidity, slow movement (bradykinesia), poor balance and difficulty walking (referred to as “parkinsonian gait”).
Primary symptoms definitions:
Bradykinesia is slowness in voluntary movement. It produces difficulty initiating movement and difficulty completing movement once it’s in progress. Delayed transmission of signals from the brain to the skeletal muscles, due to diminished dopamine, produces bradykinesia.
Tremors in the hands, fingers, forearms or feet tend to occur when a limb is at rest but not when performing tasks. Tremors can also occur in the mouth and chin.
Rigidity (or stiff muscles) can produce muscle pain and an expressionless, mask-like face, and it tends to increase during movement.
Poor balance happens when there’s an impairment or loss of reflexes that adjust posture to help maintain balance.
Parkinsonian gait is a distinctive unsteady walk associated with Parkinson’s disease. There’s a tendency to lean unnaturally backward or forward, and to develop a stooped, head-down, shoulders-drooped stance. Arm swinging is diminished or absent, and people with Parkinson’s tend to take small shuffling steps (referred to as festination).
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder and is characterized by rhythmic shaking which occurs during voluntary movement (action tremor), such as lifting a cup to one's mouth, or while voluntarily maintaining a position against gravity (postural tremor), such as reaching or extending one's hand or arm. It is less common when at rest. In some people, there may be a family history of tremor that usually involves the arms and hands. The neurological exam is otherwise normal. If the tremor is disabling, medication can be useful.
For additional resources and more information, visit www.tremoraction.org.
[ Learn more ]
Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, continual muscular contractions. It can result in twisted, contorted postures of the body or limbs. Movements are usually slow and may appear exaggerated. The many causes of this movement disorder include biochemical abnormalities, degenerative disorders, psychiatric dysfunction, toxins and drugs. [ Learn more ]
| Next Steps |
|
We're only a phone call away!
 To schedule an appointment with one of Georgetown’s neurosciences specialists, contact Georgetown MD at 202-342-2400. A nurse specialist will immediately assist you. |
| News |
