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Do you know what “Movement Disorders” means? Do you know who treats them? I guess, most of us have heard about “Parkinson’s Disease” at least once, but movement disorder as a term is less known to most people. These disorders occur due to changes in the brain, so they are treated by a Neurologist who has further specialization in this field and is known as a Movement Disorders Specialist.
The "International Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Society" declared November 29th to be "World Movement Disorders Day" in order to address these concerns and raise awareness of movement disorders globally. This year (2022) was the first to celebrate and create awareness about Movement Disorders globally.
What are Movement Disorders?
Movement Disorders are a group of brain disorders (neurological conditions) that affect a person's ability to produce and control movement. They may lead to either abnormal excess or slowness of body movements. They have nothing to do with the involvement of any other body system. Thus, a "fracture" that prevents a leg from moving can NOT be called a movement disorder. It is when you are unable to easily move the leg because of a brain disorder (more specifically, a dysfunction of the basal ganglia connection – the deepest part of the brain which acts as a transformer for smooth signal functioning), which may result in "Parkinson's Disease," a "Movement Disorder."
Symptoms of Movement Disorders
Symptoms of movement disorders can range from mild to severe.
Some of the symptoms are:
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Generalized slowness (Parkinsonism)
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Shaking of body parts (tremors)
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Imbalance sensation (ataxia /drunkard walking)
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Tendency to fall
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Abnormal posturing of body parts (dystonia).
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Unwanted excessive movements of different body parts (chorea, ballism).
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Sudden jerky movements (myoclonus)
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Restless movements (Akathisia, Tics)
Depending on which of these symptoms are present, patients can be diagnosed with different diseases under the umbrella of “Neurological Disorders” such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Wilson’s disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia, Cervical dystonia, Writers cramp, etc. Movement Disorder Treatment in Millers Road Bangalore is available at Manipal Hospitals, visit today.
You can book an appointment with a Consultant - Movement Disorder Specialist in Manipal Hospitals Millers Road, Bangalore.
Causes of Movement Disorders
Movement disorders can occur due to various underlying causes including:
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Infections of the brain
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Tumors of the brain
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Stroke-like events
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Brain injuries
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Normal aging process
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Genetic abnormalities
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Medication-related side effects
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Allergic diseases of the brain (autoimmune diseases)
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Body metabolic changes (like high or low blood sugars)
Treating Movements Disorders
The underlying cause, type, and severity of the disorder decide the treatment and outcome of the treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
Movement disorders can be treated with medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
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Medications used to treat movement disorders include anti-parkinsonian drugs, anticholinergic drugs, anticonvulsants, and psychotropic medications. Botulinum toxin injections help prevent muscle contractions. Continuous slow infusion therapies – Apomorphine infusion (Similar to Insulin pumps)
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Physical therapy may involve stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as balance and coordination activities.
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Surgery may be used to treat movement disorders, such as deep brain stimulation or thalamotomy.
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Lifestyle modifications may include changes to diet, exercise, and sleep habits.
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Alternative treatments, such as yoga and acupuncture, may also be beneficial for some people.
In addition, it is important to follow up with the healthcare provider regularly, monitor the efficacy of the treatment, and adjust if necessary.
If a person develops Parkinsonism with definite symptoms (Slowness, stiffness, tremors, walking changes) as a result of a metabolic or acute drug-related reaction, she/he can be completely cured by discontinuing the offending medication or treating the metabolic changes. Parkinsonism as a result of the aging/genetic process can be well managed with treatment similar to blood pressure and diabetes. To know more consult with our Neurologist in Millers Road Bangalore.
FAQs
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What are the most common Movement Disorders?
The most common movement disorders are Parkinson's disease, Atypical parkinsonian disorders, Ataxia, Tic disorders, Restless leg Syndrome, Hemifacial spasm, Blepharospasm, Dystonic tremors Functional movement disorders, Huntington's disease, Essential tremor, Dystonia.
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How to handle people with Movement Disorders?
Medications and rehabilitation therapies will help to control or cure the symptoms bases on the underlying causes. To help maintain or restore your ability to control your movements, consider receiving physical or occupational therapy.
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Can Movement Disorders be cured?
YES!! Movement Disorders can be cured. The underlying cause is the deciding factor for a possible cure. Some disorders can be completely cured with short duration of medications (e.g- Secondary metabolic disorders, infectious disorders, or Autoimmune movement disorders – Sydenham’s chorea) or some can be well controlled with regular medications (e.g: Dopa responsive dystonia, hemifacial spasms, Parkinson’s disease, etc). Genetic and neurodegenerative movement disorders outcomes depend on the type of primary symptoms.
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Does Manipal Hospital run special clinics for Movement Disorders?
Manipal Hospitals, Miller’s Road has a full-fledged exclusive Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, which in turn runs various sub clinics also like – Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease clinic (YOPD clinic), Huntington’s Disease Clinic, Wilson’s Disease clinic, Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Management Clinic (for Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and Apomorphine infusion), Ataxia Clinic, Tau Clinics. Manipal Hospital, Miller’s Road, is involved in various cutting edge research for Movement Disorders in India, in collaboration with National and International research groups.
Consultant - Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Specialist
Manipal Hospitals, Millers Road, Bangalore
