A movement disorder diagnosis is different for each person.
For some, symptoms are extremely subtle and may progress slowly. For others, changes are more noticeable and the progression is quicker. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Each is unique and tailored to meet a specific patient’s needs. Once evaluated and diagnosed, the experts at the Chase Family Movement Disorder Center will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan to maximize your quality of life.
Depending on your symptoms and other factors, your care will also involve the expertise of specialists as needed. Our integrated approach to care brings together specialists such as neurosurgeons, a neuropsychiatrist, urologists, physiatrists, gastroenterologists, sleep medicine specialists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, pain specialists and, of course, your primary care physician.
Or we might connect you with speech therapists, physical and occupational therapists, geneticists, nutritionists, social workers, psychotherapists, holistic/integrative medicine practitioners, palliative and home-care providers. And, to enhance your overall sense of well-being, physical strength and flexibility, we might even recommend dance, yoga, tai chi, or boxing instructors.
Movement Disorder treatments include:
- Botulinum toxin injections for sustained involuntary muscle contractions, facial spasms, or spasticity.
- Deep-brain stimulation surgery to implant electrodes in the brain that interrupt abnormal brain activity, acting like a pacemaker for the brain.
- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure for patients with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease
- Peripheral nerve stimulation devices that help control arm tremors.
- Intra-jejunal or subcutaneous pumps to administer medications in a continuous infusion.
- Injections of fast-acting medication to supplement an otherwise stable medication regimen.
- New pharmacologic medications, as they become available, to supplement current treatments.
- Rehabilitation programs for various stages of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders such as dystonia, tremors, tics, ataxia, chorea and gait disorders. This may include the two-part speech therapy program to help individuals with Parkinson’s regain and maintain effective communication: SPEAK OUT!® followed by THE LOUD CROWD®, PWR for PD, Maintenance Crew and Seated Flow programs.
At the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center, helping you live your life to the fullest, despite your diagnosis of a movement disorder, is our only priority, and we are confident that we will always have much to offer.