Caring for Movement Disorders

Movement disorders refer to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled or unwanted physical movements. Some of the most common are epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. These conditions and others like them are caused by problems in the nervous system or muscles.

If you’d like to learn more about how Dignity Health provides care for movement disorders in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor with our online search tool.

Movement Disorder Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of movement disorders depend on the type of condition and the underlying cause. In general, symptoms may include: 

• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Trouble with physical coordination
• Twitching or muscle spasms
• Uncontrolled movements, such as during a seizure

If you or a loved one has symptoms of a movement disorder, a skilled neurologist at one of our Dignity Health Bay Area hospitals can provide a diagnosis and personalized care.

Movement Disorder Causes

Some movement disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, are inherited from a parent through an abnormal gene, or a gene mutation. Other causes of movement disorders may include nervous system injuries, infections, medications, and autoimmune diseases.

So far, research has helped experts understand more about the following conditions:

• Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development, specifically balance and coordination. Risk factors for this include gene mutations, an infection passed to the baby from the mother during pregnancy, premature birth, and lack of oxygen or injury to the baby during pregnancy or labor.
• Dystonia is an inherited disorder. Risk factors may include brain trauma and stroke, defective genes, injury during birth, and infection.
• Epilepsy is caused by nerve cells in the brain that don’t work properly. Risk factors may include abnormal genes, infection, injury, and tumors that affect nerve and brain function.
• Multiple sclerosis is caused by an erosion of the protective covering of nerve fibers. It is considered an autoimmune disorder.
• Parkinson’s disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A small number of cases that are inherited.

Movement Disorder Treatment at Dignity Health

Treatment for movement disorders depends on the condition. Our neurologists focus on treating symptoms, such as tremors, and slowing the progression of the disease. The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life through medication, occupational and physical therapy, and surgery. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

Dignity Health hospitals in the Bay Area offer quality care for movement disorders.