What is Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal increased movements, which may be voluntary or involuntary. They can also cause reduced or slow intentional movements. These conditions typically arise from damage or dysfunction in the basal ganglia or other deep structures of the brain that act as the body's control center for coordination.

How common are Movement Disorders?

Movement disorders are among the most frequent reasons for referral to a neurology department. The most common is Essential Tremor, which affects nearly 5% of people worldwide at some point in their lives. Parkinson's disease is the second most common, affecting approximately 1% of the population over the age of 60.

While many movement disorders are associated with aging, some—such as certain types of dystonia or Wilson's disease—can appear in childhood or early adulthood. In India, the prevalence of these disorders is rising due to an aging population and increased clinical awareness.

What are the symptoms of Movement Disorders?

Symptoms can be very different depending on whether the disorder causes too much movement (hyperkinetic) or too little movement (hypokinetic).

• Tremors: Involuntary, rhythmic shaking of a body part, such as the hands, head, or voice.
• Bradykinesia: Very slow physical movement, which can feel like moving through water.
• Dystonia: Sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that result in twisting or abnormal postures.
• Chorea: Brief, irregular movements that move from one body part to another in an unpredictable way.
• Ataxia: Poor muscle coordination that can affect speech, eye movements, and walking.
• Myoclonus: Sudden, brief, shock-like muscle jerks.
• Tics: Repeated movements (motor tics) or sounds (vocal tics) that are hard to control.

What causes Movement Disorders?

There are many different causes of movement disorders, which are usually grouped by where they start:

• Degenerative: The gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain, as seen in Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease.
• Genetics: Many movement disorders are inherited through specific gene mutations.
• Secondary Causes:
  • Medications: Certain psychiatric or nausea medications can cause movement side effects (tardive dyskinesia).
  • Metabolic Issues: Liver or kidney failure, or copper buildup (Wilson's disease).
  • Structural Damage: Strokes, tumors, or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Infections: Certain viruses or autoimmune reactions following an infection.

What are the complications of Movement Disorders?

Movement disorders affect more than just how you move. They can change your whole quality of life.

• Falls and Injuries: Balance issues (postural instability) significantly increase the risk of fractures.
• Difficulty with daily activities: Tremors or stiffness can make it very hard to eat, get dressed, or write.
• Social isolation: Uncontrolled movements or changes in speech can be embarrassing and may cause people to avoid social situations.
• Depression and anxiety: Because these conditions last a long time, they often lead to mental health problems as well.
• Cognitive decline: Some movement disorders can cause changes in memory and thinking as time goes on.

How do doctors diagnose Movement Disorders?

Doctors mainly diagnose movement disorders by carefully observing your symptoms and movements.

• Neurological Examination: Testing reflexes, muscle tone, gait, and coordination.
• DaTscan: A specialized imaging test used to visualize dopamine transporters in the brain to help confirm Parkinson’s.
• MRI of the brain: This test helps rule out causes like strokes or tumors.
• Blood and urine tests: These check for things like metabolic problems, copper levels, or genetic markers.
• EMG (electromyography): This test checks how healthy your muscles and the nerves that control them are.

How are Movement Disorders treated?

Movement disorders can be treated in several ways:

Medications:

• Dopaminergic Drugs: Such as Levodopa for Parkinson’s symptoms.
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: Highly effective for focal dystonia (like neck twisting) to relax specific muscles.
• Muscle Relaxants: To help with stiffness and spasms.

Surgical Options:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves placing electrodes in the brain to "reset"     abnormal electrical signals.
• Physical and occupational therapy: These are important for keeping you mobile, improving balance, and helping you find new ways to do daily tasks.
• Speech therapy: This can help with speaking clearly and with swallowing problems.

What can I expect if I have a Movement Disorder?

Most movement disorders get worse slowly over many years, but they usually are not life-threatening right away. With the right medication, regular exercise, and care from specialists, many people can stay active and independent for a long time. The main goal is to help you stay as independent as possible.

Can Movement Disorders be prevented?

You cannot prevent genetic or degenerative movement disorders, but some other types can be prevented:

• Medication Review: Always discuss long-term use of antipsychotic or anti-nausea meds with your doctor.
• Head Protection: Using helmets and safety gear to prevent traumatic brain injuries.
• Healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise and a balanced diet help keep your brain healthy and may delay some symptoms.

How do I take care of myself?

• Stay active: Exercise is the only proven way to slow down some movement disorders.
• Home safety: Remove rugs that you could trip on and put grab bars in the bathroom to help prevent falls.
• Sleep hygiene: Make sure you get enough sleep, because being tired can make tremors and stiffness worse.
• Nutrition: Eat plenty of fiber and drink enough water to help with common problems like constipation.

When should I see my doctor?

Consult a neurologist if you notice:

• A new tremor that occurs when you are at rest or reaching for an object.
• A sudden change in your handwriting (it becomes much smaller or messy).
• Frequent "near-miss" falls or a feeling of being off-balance.
• Muscles that feel "stuck" or locked in one position.
• Rapid, jerky movements that you cannot control.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Movement Disorders Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Movement Disorders treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced neurologists and movement disorder specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and treatment options including medication management, botulinum toxin therapy, and deep brain stimulation procedures. Our Neurology and Movement Disorder Care team has decades of experience in successfully treating Movement Disorders in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Movement Disorders Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back