Personalized Treatment of Movement Disorders in Southern California

People who have a movement disorder typically experience involuntary muscle movements. Your muscles are controlled by your nervous system — your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Problems with your nervous system are the root cause of these disorders.

If you or a loved one is experiencing involuntary movements in Southern California, you will find highly skilled neurologists at these expert Dignity Health Southern California medical centers:

Use our Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment with one of our experienced movement disorder specialists today.

Recognizing Movement Disorder Symptoms at Dignity Health Southern California

Our neurologists perform a full neurological exam and diagnostic testing to evaluate your symptoms. In general, the physical signs and symptoms of movement disorders include:

  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Problems walking
  • Movements you have no control to stop, such as a tremor
  • Muscle weakness
  • Involuntary muscle movements

Causes of Movement Disorders

A combination of genetic and other factors causes most conditions.

Parkinson’s Disease

A loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain leads to Parkinson’s disease. Some people inherit Parkinson’s. For most other cases, doctors believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors causes it.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy comes from problems with brain development in areas responsible for coordination and balance. Cerebral palsy risk factors include premature birth, infection, and lack of oxygen to the brain or other injury to the baby during pregnancy or labor.

Dystonia

Brain damage in areas that control muscle movement can result in dystonia. Risk factors include brain injury during birth or later in life, infections, poisoning, and stroke. Some dystonias are inherited.

Epilepsy

Genetic abnormalities, injury, infection, and tumors affecting brain development and nerve cell function are some of the known causes of epilepsy. It is also possible to inherit epilepsy.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be an autoimmune disorder possibly triggered by a viral infection. The abnormal immune response damages nerve fibers, causing the symptoms of MS.

Comprehensive Movement Disorder Treatment

At Dignity Health Southern California, our neurologists tailor treatment to your specific condition and your preferences. The primary focus is to slow the disease so you can lead a full life. Medication is a common treatment option for muscle tremors, including essential tremor. Advanced treatment may involve neurosurgery.

If you would like more information about diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders in Southern California, reach out to one of our neurologists today.

Dignity Health’s movement disorder specialists in Southern California form long-term partnerships with their patients and provide personalized treatment.