Movement Disorders
Understanding Movement Disorders
Movement disorders are conditions that make it hard for a person to control their body movements. Some people may move too slowly, shake, have muscle spasms, or freeze when they try to move.
Two of the most common movement disorders are:
Other movement conditions we treat include:
- Dystonia (muscle spasms)
- Dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements)
- Ataxia (trouble with coordination and balance)
- Gait disorders (walking problems)
- Myoclonus (sudden jerks or twitches)
- Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Huntington’s Disease
- Extrapyramidal Movement Disorder
- Degenerative diseases of the Basal Ganglia (part of the brain)
- Abnormal involuntary movements
- Functional Movement Disorder
- Stiff Person Syndrome
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you or a loved one is showing signs of a movement disorder, it's important to see a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor who specialized in brain and nerve problems. Your neurologist or primary care provider may also refer you to the U-M Movement Disorders Clinic for evaluation.
Many movement disorders can be treated with medicine. At MyMichigan Health, we also offer special procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for conditions like Essential Tremor or Parkinson’s Disease. DBS may help if medicines are no longer working well for you.
