Movement Disorders with Neurology Clinic P.C.
When the body moves involuntarily or movement becomes slowed or difficult, everyday activities can become tiring and frustrating. Many movement disorders can be treated or managed, helping to improve function and comfort over time. At Neurology Clinic P.C., board-certified neurologists evaluate and treat movement disorders using established diagnostic approaches and evidence-based care.
What Are Movement Disorders?
Movement disorders are a broad group of neurological conditions that affect the speed, quality, fluency, or ease of movement. Some cause involuntary movements such as tremors, spasms, or jerking. Others make voluntary movement difficult, slow, or uncoordinated. These conditions originate in the brain and nervous system, specifically in the circuits that plan, initiate, and regulate movement.
Movement disorders can develop at any age and may be caused by neurodegenerative disease, medication side effects, genetic factors, autoimmune processes, or other underlying conditions. Because the causes and presentations vary so widely, an accurate diagnosis from a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders is essential to finding the right treatment.
What Movement Disorders Do Our Neurologists Treat?
Each movement disorder has its own characteristics, causes, and treatment options. Some of the most common movement disorders we treat include:
Tremor
Tremor is the most common movement disorder, characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking that most often affects the hands but can also involve the head, voice, legs, or trunk. The most frequently diagnosed form is essential tremor, a condition that tends to run in families and often worsens gradually over time. Tremor can also be a feature of other neurological conditions, which is why careful evaluation is important.
Common symptoms of tremor:
- Rhythmic shaking of hands, fingers, or arms, especially during purposeful movement such as writing, eating, or holding objects
- Head nodding or shaking (a “yes-yes” or “no-no” motion)
- Quivering or unsteady voice
- Tremor that worsens with stress, fatigue, caffeine, or certain medications
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothing or threading a needle
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that develops when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain gradually break down and die. Dopamine is a chemical messenger essential for smooth, coordinated movement, and its loss leads to the motor and non-motor symptoms that define the disease. While Parkinson’s is a lifelong condition, early diagnosis and a proactive treatment approach can make a meaningful difference in maintaining function, independence, and quality of life.
Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:
- Resting tremor, often beginning in one hand (sometimes described as a “pill-rolling” motion)
- Bradykinesia – a general slowness of movement that can make everyday tasks feel effortful
- Muscle rigidity or stiffness, particularly in the limbs and trunk
- Postural instability and balance difficulties, increasing the risk of falls
- Shuffling gait with reduced arm swing
- Smaller, more cramped handwriting
- Reduced facial expression (“masked face”)
- Non-motor symptoms, including sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of smell, depression, and cognitive changes over time
Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which sustained or intermittent muscle contractions cause abnormal, often repetitive movements, postures, or both. It can affect a single body part (focal dystonia), two or more adjacent areas (segmental dystonia), or the entire body (generalized dystonia). Dystonia can be painful and may significantly interfere with daily activities, but effective treatments, including Botox injections, can provide meaningful relief.
Common symptoms of dystonia:
- Involuntary twisting, repetitive movements, or abnormal postures
- Cervical dystonia (the most common focal form), or the involuntary contractions of the neck muscles, causing the head to turn, tilt, or pull forward or backward
- Blepharospasm, or involuntary eye closure or excessive blinking
- Writer’s cramp or other task-specific hand and arm spasms
- Muscle pain and fatigue in the affected area
- Symptoms that may worsen with stress, fatigue, or specific activities and improve with rest or sensory tricks (such as touching the chin to relieve neck dystonia)
Ataxia
Ataxia refers to a group of disorders characterized by a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. Ataxia results from damage to or degeneration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating balance, gait, and fine motor control. Ataxia can develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the underlying cause.
Common symptoms of ataxia:
- Unsteady, wide-based gait and difficulty walking in a straight line
- Poor coordination and clumsiness with everyday tasks
- Difficulty with fine motor movements such as writing, eating, or buttoning clothing
- Slurred or slow speech
- Involuntary eye movements
- Difficulty swallowing
- Balance problems and increased risk of falling
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological sensory disorder that creates an uncomfortable and often overwhelming urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by unpleasant sensations that are difficult to describe. Symptoms are typically worst in the evening and at night, making it one of the most common causes of disrupted sleep.
Common symptoms of RLS:
- An irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by crawling, tingling, aching, throbbing, or “creepy-crawly” sensations deep in the muscles
- Symptoms that begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, especially when sitting or lying down
- Temporary relief with movement, such as walking, stretching, or rubbing the legs
- Symptoms that peak in the evening and nighttime hours
- Significant difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and exhaustion
- Involuntary leg movements during sleep
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder caused by prolonged use of certain medications, most commonly dopamine receptor-blocking drugs such as antipsychotics and some anti-nausea medications. It causes involuntary, repetitive movements, most often of the face, tongue, and jaw, that can be socially distressing and functionally disabling.
Common symptoms of tardive dyskinesia:
- Repetitive, involuntary movements of the tongue (including protrusion, twisting, or chewing motions)
- Lip smacking, puckering, or pursing
- Grimacing or rapid eye blinking
- Involuntary movements of the fingers, hands, arms, legs, or trunk
- Rocking, swaying, or jerking movements of the torso
- Symptoms that persist even after the causative medication is reduced or discontinued
Why Patients Choose Neurology Clinic P.C. for Movement Disorder Treatment
Neurology Clinic P.C. provides patients with access to neurologists experienced in the evaluation and management of movement disorders. Diagnostic resources and a coordinated care approach support patients from initial assessment through ongoing treatment. Many individuals with movement disorders have experienced evolving symptoms or prior evaluations without clear answers, making careful reassessment and accurate diagnosis essential. At Neurology Clinic P.C., the goal of care is to identify the underlying condition and develop a treatment plan based on established, evidence-based approaches.
Our neurologists remain at the forefront of current developments in movement disorder research and treatment, including medication therapies, injection-based treatments such as botulinum toxin when appropriate, and supportive interventions. Care plans are reviewed and adjusted over time based on symptom progression, treatment response, and individual patient needs.
When Should You See a Neurologist for Movement Disorder Treatment?
When movement changes are persistent, worsening, or begin to interfere with daily activities, a neurological evaluation can help identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment. You should consider scheduling an evaluation for movement disorders if you experience:
- A tremor that is new, worsening, or interfering with daily tasks like eating, writing, or dressing
- Stiffness or slowness of movement that makes everyday activities feel increasingly difficult
- Involuntary movements of the face, mouth, or limbs that you cannot control
- Balance problems, frequent stumbling, or unexplained falls
- Difficulty coordinating movements or a sense that your body isn’t responding the way it should
- An uncomfortable, irresistible urge to move your legs, especially at night
- Changes in handwriting, speech, or facial expression that others have noticed
- Movement symptoms that developed after starting or changing a medication
Many movement symptoms have identifiable and treatable underlying causes, and even progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s disease can often be managed with appropriate medical care. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis early can help guide symptom management and support daily functioning over time.
Your Movement Disorder Consultation at Neurology Clinic P.C.
Evaluations are the beginning of a collaborative partnership. Our neurologists specialize in movement disorder care, and they have the resources, training, experience, and industry connections to ensure you receive the care you need.
You can expect your care at Neurology Clinic P.C. to include:
Preparing for Your Consultation
Prepare a diary documenting when your symptoms started and how they have changed to help your neurologist identify patterns that may not be obvious from memory alone. Bring any medical records and a list of your current medications.
Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation
During your evaluation, your board-certified neurologist will review your complete medical history, observe and assess your movement patterns, test reflexes, coordination, muscle tone, and gait, and listen carefully to your description of symptoms.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Based on your evaluation, your neurologist may recommend additional diagnostic tests, potentially including on-site MRI imaging to evaluate brain structures, EMG and nerve conduction studies (NCV) to assess muscle and nerve function, EEG when appropriate, and blood work to identify contributing factors such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or medication effects.
Diagnosis & Personalized Treatment Plan
Once testing is complete, your neurologist will explain their findings, discuss your diagnosis, and outline a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals. Treatment may include medications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression, Botox injections for dystonia or spasticity, referrals for physical or occupational therapy, sleep evaluation for conditions like RLS, and lifestyle strategies to support daily function.
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
Movement disorders are conditions that benefit from ongoing, attentive care, rather than a single visit. We provide regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, fine-tune treatments as your needs evolve, connect you with support resources, and discuss whether any of our active clinical research studies may offer access to emerging therapies.
Schedule Your Movement Disorder Consultation Today
If you are experiencing a tremor that persists, stiffness that affects mobility, or involuntary movements that interfere with daily activities, a neurological evaluation can help clarify the cause. At Neurology Clinic P.C., our neurologists assess movement disorders and develop treatment plans based on the specific diagnosis and individual needs, with the goal of supporting function, safety, and quality of life.
Contact Neurology Clinic P.C. at (901) 747-1111 or request your consultation online to schedule your movement disorder evaluation.
Movement Disorders FAQs
How should I prepare for my movement disorder evaluation?
To learn more about planning and preparing for your first appointment, please visit our patient information page. To make the most of your evaluation and provide your neurologist with the most detailed information possible, please come to your appointment with:
- A list of the specific changes and symptoms you’ve observed: when they started, how frequently they occur, and whether they seem to be getting worse. If you can provide video of the movements you are concerned about, that can be helpful.
- A list of all current medications (including over-the-counter supplements), any relevant medical records or prior test results, and your loved one’s insurance card and referral if required.
- To ensure you don’t miss anything or get overwhelmed with information, it can be helpful to bring a trusted adult with you to your appointment.
- Bring a list of questions and concerns you have to ensure you get all the information you need or want.
Does having a tremor mean I have Parkinson's disease?
Not necessarily. Tremor is the most common movement disorder, and the majority of tremor cases are caused by essential tremor, a separate condition that is not related to Parkinson’s disease. Tremor can also be caused by medication side effects, thyroid issues, stress, fatigue, and other factors. A neurological evaluation can help determine the cause and guide you toward the right course of treatment.
Can movement disorders be treated?
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
Neurology Clinic, P.C. provides consultations, evaluations, and diagnostic services on a physician referral basis. If you think you need a neurological evaluation, contact your primary care provider for a referral.