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 |
Now Available!
Living in Harmony - Acheiving Balance and Gaining Control Over Movement Disorders Like Parkinson's Disease & Essential Tremor. |
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1.5 Hours
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Introduction
Karen
Alcorn
Vice President, Public Affairs
Medical
Management in Movement Disorders
Fernando L. Pagan,
MD
Movement
Disorders Diagnosis and Surgical Management
Christopher
G. Kalhorn, MD
Deep Brain
Stimulation
Victoria N. Starbuck, PhD
Patient
Story |
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To request a copy of the Treating Movement Disorders brochure, click here |
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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.
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Activa Therapy (Also called Deep Brain Stimulation or a Brain Pacemaker)
Learn more about the benefits of Activa Therapy for treating movement disorders
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| Patient Stories |
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Documentary
Ray Farkas is an Emmy Award-winning TV producer. Since 2000, he has been battling Parkinson's Disease. When his tremors began to take over his body and his life, he decided to undergo a complex and risky procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS). |
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Ruth Curry - One Patient's Story
Ruth Curry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1994. She noticed a tremor which eventually developed into a life of dependency for the small things … getting out of a car, getting in and out of bed... when her new grandson came into the world just seven months ago, she couldn’t even hold him. That has all changed now thanks to the highly-skilled neurosurgeons at Georgetown University Hospital.
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John Word - Before and after Deep Brain Stimulation
John Word, once unable to perform simple tasks such as hold a pen or drink a glass of water, is now hoping to return to work, after Deep Brain Stimulation allowed him, once again, to sign his name. |
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Study gives hope to millions suffering from depression
Depression sufferers may find hope in Deep Brain Stimulation procedure, normally used to ease the affects of Parkinson's Disease. Researchers have found that the brain implant normally used to treat Parkinson's may also relieve symptoms of depression. |
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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.
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