Movement disorders

Diagnosis

The healthcare provider will probably run a number of tests to establish a diagnosis because movement disorders are sometimes complex and mirror other conditions. Beginning with a thorough history, physical examination, and neurological examination.

They might request any of the following tests based on the symptoms:

• Imaging test: Imaging tests are frequently used by doctors to aid in the diagnosis of movement problems. They might examine the nerves, spinal cord, or brain. This may include CT scan and/or MRI scan.
• Blood test: Blood testing to rule out potential causes or assist in the diagnosis of specific movement disorders.
• Electromyography (EMG): This procedure will measures how well the muscles and nerves that regulate them are doing.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): The procedure will monitor the brain’s electrical activity.
• Lumbar puncture: Cerebrospinal fluid is being analysis with lumbar puncture.
• Muscle biopsy: Muscle biopsy to differentiate between problems of the muscles and the nerves.
• Nerve conduction study: Nerve conduction studies, which track the flow of electricity through a nerve before it reaches a muscle.

Treatment

The aim of treatment for movement disorders is to manage symptoms as there is currently no known cure. According to the type, different movement disorders require different treatments. On the other hand, some movement disorders, such medication-induced parkinsonism, are frequently curable.

The following are some examples of movement disorder treatments:

• Medication: The symptoms of movement disorders can be treated with a number of medications. Muscle relaxants, for instance, can benefit spasticity. Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome may be helped by dopaminergic medicines. Dystonia may benefit from anti-anxiety drugs. For particular conditions, there are also specific medications.
• Botulinum toxin injections: If the patient has dystonia or spasticity, these injections may be able to help them to relax their muscles.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps the body perform physical actions more effectively. Physical therapists assist clients in controlling symptoms like soreness, stiffness, and pain that make it difficult for them to move.
• Occupational therapy: Their capacity to carry out daily activities is enhanced through occupational therapy. An occupational therapist teaches them how to stand, sit, move, or use various items safely so that they can engage in their activities.
• Mobility aids: Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, can improve one’s autonomy and make it easier to move more safely.
• Speech therapy: Speech therapy aids in enhancing speech, language proficiency, and the ability to swallow.
• Psychotherapy: The term “psychotherapy” (sometimes known as “talk therapy”) refers to a number of therapeutic approaches intended to assist patients in recognizing and altering undesirable feelings, ideas, and actions. Mental health issues including anxiety and depression are frequently caused by movement disorders. An aid is psychotherapy.
• Deep brain stimulation: People with advanced Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and other tremors undergo this type of brain surgery. It might lessen involuntary motions.