Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the speed, fluency, quality, and ease of your body’s movements. These conditions may result in either excessive or slowed-down, involuntary movements, and the effects vary, from minor inconveniences to significant challenges in daily life. Here are some common movement disorders in adults and how they are managed:
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects movement. Symptoms often start gradually, sometimes with a tremor in just one hand, but the disorder also causes stiffness or slowing of movement. In the early stages of Parkinson’s, your face may show little or no expression, or your arms don’t swing when you walk. Symptoms typically worsen over time. While there is no cure, various medications and therapies may provide relief from symptoms. Medication aims to alleviate symptoms by replacing or mimicking the function of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that controls movement. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help manage the condition.
Essential Tremors
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary, rhythmic shaking. It often affects the hands, though tremors may also appear in the head, voice, arms, or legs. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can progress and become severe in some people. Essential tremors are typically more noticeable when you are performing an action, such as drinking from a glass or tying shoelaces. They may also worsen with stress or fatigue.
Essential tremors can be inherited and tend to run in families, but not all cases are genetic. Various treatment options are available to manage symptoms. These include medications such as beta blockers and anti-seizure drugs, which can help reduce the severity of the tremors.
Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It has a broad impact on a person’s functional abilities and can result in:
- Thinking, psychiatric, and movement disorders
- Involuntary jerking or writhing movements
- Problems with gait, posture, and balance
- Changes in speech and swallowing
The onset and progression of symptoms vary. Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others have severe impairments that significantly affect their daily lives. There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease, but available treatments help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics, and they are sudden, brief, and intermittent movements or sounds. Simple motor tics often include eye blinking or head jerking, while complex motor tics could involve a series of movements performed in the same order. Vocal tics range from simple sounds, such as sniffing or throat-clearing, to complex ones, like repeating words or phrases.
Tourette’s syndrome can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Tics can be embarrassing and disruptive, making it difficult to engage in social situations or perform daily tasks. People with Tourette’s may also experience co-occurring conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or ADHD. Treatments are available for Tourette’s syndrome, and they include medication, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.
Work With a Movement Disorders Specialist
Managing a movement disorder begins with an accurate diagnosis. A neurologist identifies the characteristics of your condition through an evaluation, and this might include a physical exam, a medical history review, and imaging tests. An assessment helps distinguish between different disorders that may present with similar symptoms. Partnering with a specialist also allows you to receive a personalized management plan. Schedule an appointment with a neurologist today.
