Page 12 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Page 12 Senior Times - April 2023
UNDERSTANDING MOVEMENT DISORDERS
By: Steven Mitchell, DO, Bronson Neuroscience Center
Within the field of neu- rology, there are diseases that can affect movement. Parkinson’s disease is probably the most well- known one, but move- ment disorders include a range of diseases.
toxin injections (Botox) may help block the nerve signals to muscles, to reduce tremors for a period of time.
• Sleep changes
Parkinson's treatment is personalized to
Movement disorders refer to conditions that cause you to have abnormal voluntary or involuntary movements, or slow, reduced movements. They can be categorized into two groups:
• Hyperkinetic – excessive movement
• Hypokinetic – less movement
DBS acts like a pacemaker for the brain delivering electrical impulses to specific areas, and MRgFUS creates a permanent brain lesion to help reduce tremors.
Patients are encouraged to exercise regu- larly. Evidence suggests that aerobic exercise may even slow Parkinson’s disease progres- sion. Physical, occupational, or speech therapy might also be recommended.
The diagnosis of most movement disor- ders is based on a patient’s history and a physical examination. This article covers a number of movement disorders seen in a neurology clinic, starting with the most common.
Although Parkinson’s disease is most common in those over 60 years old, it can occur in younger people. For example, Michael J. Fox developed symptoms of this movement disorder at age 29. Young people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease often have an underlying genetic cause. Regardless of the age of onset, the disease symptoms progress over time.
Dystonia can be divided into several different categories and subtypes, each with its own unique set of symptoms and causes.
“In examining disease, we gain wisdom about anatomy and physiology and biology. In examining the person with disease, we gain wisdom about life.”~ Oliver Sacks
Four major movement symptoms: • Tremor at rest
• Muscle rigidity (i.e., stiffness)
• Slowed movement
• Balance issues
The most common type is focal dystonia, which affects a single part of the body, such as a hand or an eye.
• Cervical dystonia is the most common form
Essential tremor (benign essential trem- or or familial tremor) causes shaking in the hands and sometimes the head and voice. The cause of essential tremor is not fully known, but may have a genetic connection.
twisting of the head and neck.
• Blepharospasm results in uncontrollable
Weighted pens and utensils can help pro- vide a counterbalance to the shaking, which reduces the impact of tremors on everyday activities.
It’s important to note that “non-motor” symptoms may also be experienced. Non- motor symptoms may include:
• Constipation
musical instruments. Similar task-specif- ic focal dystonia can occur in those who play sports, such as the “yips” in golfers and baseball players, or can occur when a person is writing by hand (also known as “writer’s cramp”).
Some patients with essential tremor receive help from medications to reduce the severity of their symptoms and improve their quality of life. In some cases, botulinum
• Urinary issues • Depression
• Anxiety
• Apathy
Treatment of dystonia varies based on the subtype and areas of the body involved. Botox is the treatment of choice for focal
In more severe cases, deep brain stimu- lation (DBS) or magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) are potential surgical options.
each patient based on age and symptom severity. Medications may help or DBS when symptoms are not responding well to medication.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Dystonia is characterized by uncontrolled muscle movement that results in abnormal posture. It may involve one or more areas of the body. It can be caused by both genetic and acquired factors, but in some cases, the cause is not known.
• Cognitive changes
of focal dystonia, resulting in abnormal
closure of the eyes.
• Musician’s dystonia affects those who play
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