Movement Disorders in Syracuse, NY — CNY Neurological Consulting

What Are Movement Disorders?

Movement disorders encompass a broad category of neurological conditions that disrupt the normal control of movement. They can cause involuntary movements — such as tremor, dystonia, or chorea — or impair voluntary movement, as seen in Parkinson's disease.

The basal ganglia — a group of structures deep in the brain involved in motor control — play a central role in many movement disorders. Dysfunction in these circuits, or in the pathways connecting them to other brain regions, underlies many of the conditions in this category.

Conditions Evaluated and Managed

• Parkinson's disease — the most common movement disorder, characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability
• Essential tremor — the most common tremor disorder, typically causing action tremor of the hands
• Dystonia — a movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal postures or repetitive movements
• Other tremor syndromes — including tremors associated with medications, metabolic conditions, or other neurological disorders

Neurological Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis is essential in movement disorders, as different conditions require different management approaches. A thorough neurological examination — assessing the character, distribution, and triggers of abnormal movements — is the foundation of evaluation.

Neuroimaging and laboratory testing may be used to exclude secondary causes or support specific diagnoses.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment is individualized based on the specific diagnosis, symptom severity, and impact on function. Options may include medication management, therapeutic injections such as Botox for dystonia, and neuromodulation therapies such as deep brain stimulation for appropriately selected patients.

Frequently Asked Questions