Movement Disorders

For millions of Americans, involuntary movements produced by movement disorders are constant and disabling. Essential tremor is an uncontrollable shaking of the muscles of the hand, usually upon movement, as well as shaky voice, nodding head, and balance problems. Parkinson’s disease may present as tremor at rest, slowing of movements, and muscle stiffness. Dystonia appears as an involuntary twisting or cramping of muscles. While the causes for most of these disorders remain unknown, they sometimes run in families. Movement disorders such as tremor do not usually affect life expectancy, but they can become disabling for many common activities. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options that can improve quality of life for people who have tremors or other movement disorders.