Movement Disorders Specialist
What is a Movement Disorder Specialist?
Our movement disorder specialists (MDS) provide expert care to patients with conditions that include tremors, dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, and Huntington’s disease. These board-certified neurologists have completed internships, movement disorder fellowships, and additional training, making them the physicians best equipped to address the motor, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues associated with movement disorders. Our renowned physicians can evaluate, treat, and manage these conditions to ensure that patients maintain the highest possible quality of life. Pediatric movement disorder specialists are available to treat children.
Some of our movement disorder specialists work out of our UTHealth Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Disease Clinic, called UT MOVE. Many of our specialists are clinician-researchers, meaning that they both see patients and run clinical trials for research. In addition, they serve as faculty members to educate the next generation of neurologists.
What you can expect at UTHealth Neurosciences
UTHealth Neurosciences brings together a multidisciplinary team of board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, researchers, and pain management specialists who works to help provide relief for even the most complex problems. Your team will share insights, leading to better treatment decisions and outcomes.
We first investigate nonsurgical treatment options, including medical management, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and watchful waiting. When surgery is needed, our neurosurgeons routinely employ innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout the treatment process, we will work closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your regular care. While you are with us, you will receive expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.
When to see a Movement Disorder Specialist
About 42 million Americans are believed to suffer from movement disorders. Patients with Parkinson’s disease, one of the most common conditions, should see a movement disorder specialist on a regular basis. Patients with the following conditions may also benefit from seeing a movement disorder specialist:
- Ataxias/cerebellar disorders
- Atypical parkinsonian syndromes
- Cerebral palsy
- Cortical and subcortical dementias
- Dystonia
- Essential tremor/tremor states
- Gait disorders
- Generalized and focal dystonias
- Huntington’s disease
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Multiple sclerosis-related movement abnormalities
- Multiple System Atrophy
- Parkinsonian disorders
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
- Spasticity
- Spinal and brain trauma-related movement abnormalities
- Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA)
- Wilson’s disease
What to expect during a visit to a Movement Disorder Specialist
From the initial appointment, our movement disorder specialists work to optimize a patient’s quality of life and to address their specific needs. Our physicians perform efficient, comprehensive exams to minimize the number of appointments needed and to create treatment plans specific to a patient’s needs and goals.
Take time to write down your symptoms and questions prior to your visit, if possible, to ensure that your physician has as much information as possible and can address all your concerns.
Treatments by Movement Disorder Specialists
Our team of specialists may recommend medication, botulinum toxin injections, deep brain stimulation surgery, intrathecal baclofen pump therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy to relieve symptoms associated with movement disorders. The Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Program allows qualifying patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor and dystonia to receive DBS therapy, a surgical process that implants a device in the brain that delivers electrical stimulation to the brain to help relieve symptoms. DBS is known for low complication rates and outstanding outcomes. At the UTHealth Neurotoxin Injection Therapy Clinic, physicians use Botulinum Toxins as indicated for dystonia, spasticity, chronic migraine, and limb spasticity. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you in detail.
Contact Us
At UTHealth Neurosciences, we offer patients access to specialized neurological care at clinics across the greater Houston area. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-8000, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.