Parkinson's and Movement Disorders

Dyskinesia refers to a category of movement disorders characterized by involuntary muscle movements; Parkinson’s disease may be the most well-known. But any neurological condition that affects ease, fluency, quality and/or speed of movement is a movement disorder. These can be treated with a combination of therapies including oral medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychological evaluations, botulinum toxin injection therapy (Botox®), deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other types of surgery.

At USA Health, we treat patients with movement disorders by helping them manage their symptoms and, when possible, addressing the underlying root cause of the disorder. As an academic medical center, we develop and deliver the most effective care to our movement disorder patients. For that reason, we also offer clinical trials involving new treatments to patients when appropriate.

The botulinum toxin, known by the brand name Botox, works to inhibit acetylcholine, a chemical that functions in the brain as a neurotransmitter to send signals to other cells. With people who have movement disorders, muscles often contract uncontrollably and involuntarily. By blocking the neurotransmitter that controls an overactive muscle, Botox therapy can provide relief to patients for weeks or even months at a time.

What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease occur when sections of the brain malfunction in the signals they send. These areas send electrical messages to different parts of the body, causing unwanted rigidity, tremors or tics. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery involves implanting electrodes on the brain. These electrodes serve as a kind of “pacemaker” for the brain to regulate or block the faulty nerve signals that cause movement disorder symptoms.