Neurological care

A movement disorder is a disease or condition that affects your ability to move and to control your body’s movements. There are many different types of movement disorders, but the most common include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia and Huntington’s disease.

Movement disorders cannot be identified with a specific test and are instead identified by conducting a neurological exam that includes observation of walking, talking, moving and how a person controls facial expressions. Symptoms, medical history and a family history of movement disorders will also be reviewed and discussed with the patient.

Some tests can help rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as stroke. Blood samples or spinal fluid may be taken. An EMG or EEG may be performed to monitor the electrical activity of the brain and imaging techniques can help doctors see damage in and around the brain.

Depending on your disorder, age and other factors, treatment may include:

• Medication: A number of medications are used to treat movement disorders.
• Deep brain stimulation (DMS): This procedure uses a device called a neurostimulator to deliver electrical signals to the areas of the brain that control movement, pain, mood, weight and awakening. DMS is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and some other movement disorders.
• Thalamotomy: This surgery destroys a tiny part of the brain called the thalamus. An MRI or other imaging technique helps pinpoint the exact location for treatment. The surgeon inserts a hollow probe through a small hole in the skull and liquid nitrogen flows through the probe, making the probe extremely cold. The probe is used to destroy the thalamus.
• Lesioning: Lesioning uses heat, radiation or other methods to injure tiny, precise areas of the brain. The lesions are painless and can prevent the area of the brain from causing your symptoms. Lesioning, also called ablative brain surgery, is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and other movement disorders.

Primary headaches are not caused by disease or an underlying condition. Common primary headache examples include:

• Migraine headaches: Migraines are the most common type of primary headache, affecting millions of Americans. Migraines can last from a few hours to one or two days.
• Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are severe headaches that happen one to three times a day for a period of time, usually a few weeks.
• Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are not as common as many people believe. Experts now believe that most people who think they are having sinus headaches are actually having migraines.
• Tension headaches: Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headache. They are usually linked directly to stress or anxiety.
• Temporal arteritis: Temporal arteritis causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head, neck, upper body and arms. It usually affects people who are 50 years old and older.

Some headaches can be a sign of a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention. Secondary headaches—caused by underlying conditions, such as tumors, aneurysms or certain diseases—are rarer than other types of headaches. Seek help immediately for:

• Sudden, severe headache or sudden headache with a stiff neck
• Headache with fever, convulsions, confusion or loss of consciousness
• Headache following a blow to the head or with pain in the eye or ear
• Persistent headache in a person who was previously headache-free
• Recurring headache in children

After a neurological event, some patients require therapy to help restore function and/or motor skills. Our neurological rehabilitation team will create a customized care plan for your recovery.