Specialized Movement Disorders Care with Arizona's Leading Neurological Specialists

Are you battling with involuntary shaking, muscle stiffness, or disrupted motor control? These indicators might point to a Movement Disorder, a neurological challenge that could be hindering your independence and everyday functioning.

Here at Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center in Arizona, our clinical team recognizes the profound impact these conditions have on your daily existence. We've assembled a dedicated group of movement specialists committed to restoring your motor function and helping you reclaim the lifestyle you cherish.

Understanding Movement Disorders: Beyond the Basics

Movement disorders encompass a spectrum of neurological conditions characterized by abnormal motor function. These can manifest as either hyperkinetic (excessive movement) or hypokinetic (reduced movement) symptoms, resulting from disruptions in the complex neural pathways connecting your brain, cerebellum, and spinal column.

Current medical literature indicates these conditions affect a substantial portion of the population, with onset possibilities across all age groups. Without appropriate intervention, these disorders can progressively limit one's capacity for self-care and independent living.

Common Movement Disorders We Treat

At Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of movement disorders, including:

Parkinson's Disease

This progressive condition affects the brain cells that produce dopamine, leading to tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. Think of it as a gradual reduction in your brain's "movement messenger" that makes automatic movements increasingly difficult. While there's no cure yet, our treatments can significantly improve quality of life and function.

Essential Tremor

Often mistaken for Parkinson's, this common disorder causes rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands, that worsens during voluntary movement. Imagine trying to hold a cup of coffee while your hand develops a mind of its own. Though not life-threatening, essential tremor can greatly affect daily activities like eating, writing, and drinking.

Dystonia

This condition causes involuntary muscle contractions that result in twisting movements or abnormal postures. Picture muscles that tighten unexpectedly, causing your body to assume unusual positions that you can't control. Dystonia can affect specific body regions (focal) or multiple areas (generalized).

Huntington's Disease

A hereditary condition causing progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to uncontrolled movements, emotional problems, and cognitive decline. It's like having a genetic blueprint that gradually affects your movement control center. Our specialists provide comprehensive care for this complex disorder.

Ataxia

Characterized by poor coordination, unsteady walking, and imprecise movements, ataxia stems from damage to the cerebellum—your brain's balance center. Imagine feeling like you're walking on a rocking boat, even on solid ground. There are many types of ataxia with varying causes, from genetic to acquired.

Myoclonus

These brief, shock-like jerks of muscles can occur in isolation or as part of other conditions. Think of them as brief electrical surges in your nervous system causing sudden muscle contractions, similar to the common experience of jerking awake when falling asleep, but occurring during wakefulness.

Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome

Characterized by sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that can't be easily controlled. Consider these as "hiccups" in the brain's movement control system that cause brief, unexpected actions or vocalizations. These often begin in childhood and may improve with age.

Key Warning Signs: When to Seek Expertise

Consider consulting with our specialists at Neurology Associates if you notice:

• Persistent trembling, particularly during periods of rest

• Muscular resistance or rigidity throughout your extremities

• Noticeable deceleration in completing physical actions

• Compromised equilibrium and motor coordination

• Spontaneous jerking or choreiform movements

• Unnatural posturing or twisting motor patterns

• Deterioration in penmanship (typically resulting in miniaturized text)

• Challenges executing precise or swift motor tasks

• Condition exacerbation during periods of emotional strain or exhaustion

  
  

Our Advanced Diagnostic Approaches

We employ state-of-the-art diagnostic methods at Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center to accurately identify your specific movement disorder.

Comprehensive Neurological Assessment

This face-to-face evaluation involves our specialist observing your movements, testing your reflexes, and evaluating your muscle strength. This foundational assessment helps us understand how your nervous system is functioning as a whole and identify subtle neurological signs that point to specific disorders.

Movement Pattern Analysis

During this specialized examination, we'll ask you to perform specific tasks while we observe for characteristic movement abnormalities. This detailed analysis reveals subtle movement patterns that help identify conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia that might not be apparent during regular activities.

Advanced Neuroimaging Services

Our neuroimaging services have recently been enhanced through a partnership with Arizona Diagnostic Radiology. While MRI services at both our Chandler and Mesa facilities are now managed by their expert team, patients will experience the same exceptional imaging quality in the same convenient locations. Our neurologists maintain close collaboration with these imaging specialists to ensure seamless coordination of your diagnostic care and treatment planning.

Laboratory Blood Analysis

We'll collect blood samples to check for underlying conditions that might mimic movement disorders. These tests help rule out other potential causes for your symptoms such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or metabolic disorders that can sometimes produce movement-related symptoms.

Our Innovative Treatment Pathways

Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center offers a comprehensive suite of treatment options tailored to your specific movement disorder needs.

Specialized Physical Therapy

Our in-house movement disorder physical therapist designs customized exercise programs that target your specific symptoms. These specialized movements are designed to retrain your brain and muscles to work together more effectively, improving coordination, balance, and functional abilities.

Personalized Medication Management

We create custom pharmaceutical plans specifically designed for your unique symptom profile. Our specialists carefully select and adjust medications that can help restore the brain's chemical balance, monitoring your response closely to minimize side effects while maximizing symptom control.

Precision Botulinum Toxin Therapy

For conditions like dystonia and certain tremors, we offer strategically placed injections that temporarily relax overactive muscles. These precise treatments can provide months of relief from abnormal postures, painful muscle contractions, or disruptive tremors.

Neuromodulation Coordination

For appropriate candidates, we collaborate with neurosurgical partners on advanced interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This advanced therapy delivers tiny electrical pulses to specific brain regions that control movement, often producing dramatic symptom improvement when medication alone isn't sufficient.

Comprehensive Lifestyle Integration

We develop holistic management plans incorporating nutrition, exercise, and daily activity modifications. These customized wellness programs support your brain health from multiple angles, enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments and improving overall quality of life.

Begin Your Path to Enhanced Motor Function with Neurology Associates

A movement disorder diagnosis doesn't dictate your future quality of life. At Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center, our mission centers on symptom mitigation and functional restoration. Our clinical teams in the Chandler and Mesa stand ready to deliver the specialized neurological care your condition requires.

Contact Neurology Associates today to schedule your evaluation and embark on your recovery path. We also provide remote neurological consultations, enabling access to our movement disorder specialists directly from your residence. Whether you prefer in-person evaluation or telemedicine convenience, we've structured our services to accommodate your specific needs.