Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions causing increased voluntary or involuntary movements. These involuntary movements can cause discomfort and embarrassment in daily life. Broadview Spine & Health Centre is experienced in the identification and treatment of movement disorders and neurodegenerative disorders in Ottawa. Our treatment is based on neuroplasticity, which allows for neurons to compensate for injury and disease by adjusting to their activities.
Our movement disorder specialists use the latest diagnostic tools to examine patients. Depending on the findings of the examination, the involved neural pathways may be in a state of excessive or insufficient firing and the required stimulation is designed to restore balance, thereby improving function.
General Origin of Movement Disorders
Most movement disorders are associated with pathological alterations in the basal ganglia or their connections.The basal ganglia are a group of nuclei within the brain which are linked to movement.
What is Dystonia?
Dystonia is classified as a movement disorder that presents as constant or intermittent muscle spasms, movements that are repetitive such as twisting, as well as abnormal postures. Common forms include cervical dystonia (dystonia of the neck), hand dystonia, (writer’s cramp), generalized dystonia (twisting of the limbs and torso) and more. There are many causes of dystonia such as trauma, genetics, infection and reaction to certain medications. In some rare cases it can be associated with abnormal iron levels in the blood. In some cases the involuntary movements can be painful or uncomfortable. If you or a loved one is suffering from dystonia, request an appointment today.
What is Myoclonus?
Myoclonus is a condition which typically presents as jerky movements, which are brief, uncontrolled contractions and relaxations of a group of muscles or a muscle. Hiccups are a form of myoclonus, however in some people the effects of myoclonus are more severe and far-reaching. Some people suffer from myoclonic seizures, which are brief seizures during which the experiencing them is typically awake and able to think clearly. Myoclonus can result from damage to the spinal cord or brain and has been linked to many diseases affecting the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and many more. Myoclonus can make daily tasks difficult and impact quality of life. If you are suffering from Myoclonus, Broadview Health Centre’s Movement Disorders experts can help. Request an appointment today!
What are Tremors?
Tremors are the most common movement disorders affecting multiple body parts. They present as rhythmic, involuntary movements of one or more body parts. Tremors are most common in the hands, face, head, trunk area, vocal cords and legs. There are a number types of tremors such as essential tremors, dystonic tremors, cerebellar tremors, psychogenic tremors, enhanced physiologic tremors, parkinsonian tremors, and orthostatic tremors. There are many diseases that can cause a person to have a tremor such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes, traumatic brain injuries and more. If you or a loved one suffers from tremors, Broadview Health Centre’s Movement Disorder specialists can help. Request your appointment today.
What are Tics?
Tics are involuntary movements that are sudden in nature and can occur anywhere in the body. The most common tics include eye blinking, toe curling, vocal outbursts, abdominal tensing, and more. The most severe form of tics are found in people with Tourette’s syndrome, who suffer from two or more motor tics as well as at least one vocal tic. Other forms of tic disorders are Chronic Motor Tic Disorder, and Provisional Tic Disorder. Tics can There are a wide range of conditions causing tics as well as presentations of tics, which is why getting specialized and personalized treatment is essential. Contact the Movement Disorder specialists at Broadview Spine & Health Centre today to request your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The term “movement disorder” refers to a group of neurological conditions in which there is a problem with the way that signals are sent to your brain. Movement disorders cause an abnormal increase or decrease in movements and these movements can either be voluntary or involuntary.
Movement disorders are typically divided into 2 major categories: hyperkinetic movement disorders and hypokinetic movement disorders. Hyperkinetic disorders involve repetitive and excessive involuntary movements while hypokinetic disorders involve reduced amplitude, increased rigidity, and a lack of movement.
Everybody experiences uncontrollable movements at one point or another, that’s why movement disorders can be difficult to properly diagnose without the expertise of a physician. However, some signs and symptoms that you might be developing a movement disorder include:
- Tremors
- Twitching
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulties with fine motor skills
- Muscle weakness
- Increased clumsiness
- Loss of balance
It’s important to keep in mind that the symptoms of movements disorders can vary significantly from one condition to the next. Some have a very minimal impact while others can get progressively worse. If you’re regularly experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your primary physician to help get you properly evaluated.
Every bodily movement involves a complex interaction between our central nervous system, muscles, and nerves. Damaging any components that are involved in the transfer and translation of the information may result in a movement disorder. Depending on the location and nature of the injury or bodily malfunction, different movement disorders may develop:
- Damage to the connections between the brain and spinal cord can result in weakness, paralysis, or exaggerated reflexes
- Damage to the basal ganglia can result in involuntary and decreased movements
- Damage to the cerebellum results in a loss of coordination