Movement disorders are a group of neurological disorders that affect your accuracy, speed and may affect your mobility. Although movement disorders are not life-threatening conditions, they may prevent you from engaging in certain activities. Fortunately, the Falls Church movement disorders specialists use state-of-art technology to diagnose and treat neurological problems. You don’t need to endure your symptoms when there is a solution for your movement disorder.
What Are Movement Disorders?
Movement disorders is a broad term referring to a group of neurological conditions that cause involuntary and abnormal muscle contractions. Abnormal contraction of your muscles affects your accuracy, speed, and fluency. Your central nervous system consists of your spinal cord and brain. The central nervous system receives signals from your body through the peripheral nervous system. Then your brain and spinal cord sort out the signals and transmit them to your body to trigger the necessary action. Your central nervous system and peripheral nervous system are responsible for a laugh and the quick withdrawal of your hand from a hot pan. A malfunction or damage to your central nervous system can affect your range of motion leading to a movement disorder.
What Are the Common Types of Movement Disorders?
There are several types of movement disorders, including:
- Myoclonus
- Tics
- Ataxia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Tremors
- Multiple system atrophies
- Wilson’s disease
- Restless leg syndrome
- Tourettes’s syndrome
- Progressive supranuclear
Over the years, dystonia and spasticity have become the most common types of movement disorders.
What Is Dystonia?
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary contraction of muscles, leading to abnormal posture and muscle spasms. This disorder may occur in one muscle or a group of muscles, depending on the extent of your condition. Dystonia may occur due to a malfunction in your basal ganglia, an area in your brain responsible for movement coordination. Dystonia may not necessarily put your life in jeopardy, but it can prevent you from living your life to the fullest.
What Is Spasticity?
Spasticity is a movement disorder that causes abnormal muscle contractions, leading to rigidness and stiffness of your muscles. Most cases of spasticity manifest in people with cerebral palsy. Spasticity often occurs due to damage or malfunction in a part of your spinal cord or brain responsible for monitoring voluntary movement. If spasticity is left unattended, it can cause frozen joints or limit your mobility.
What Are the Available Treatment Options for Dystonia?
During your appointment, the professional team at Integrated Neurology Services conducts a thorough physical exam to determine the root cause of your movement disorder. They may also inquire about your age before developing a suitable treatment plan for you. They may include physical therapy, intravenous infusion, occupational therapy, and oral medication in your treatment plan to restore the ability to control your movements. In some cases, they may recommend surgery to stimulate the part of your brain responsible for the coordination of your motion.
If your movement disorder is making it difficult for you to live your life fully, contact Integrated Neurology Services to begin your journey of wellness.
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