Page 13 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Senior Times - April 2023 Page 13
dystonia and works by selectively weakening the muscles.
associated with a psychological or physical stressor.
Medications can also be helpful depend- ing on the situation. DBS may be considered when medication is not effective.
Although it’s quite common, diagnosis is sometimes delayed or missed due to symp- toms being very similar to other movement disorders. Unfortunately, some patients may incorrectly be perceived as “faking” their symptoms.
Tic disorders involve sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic movements or sounds. They tend to ebb and flow in severi- ty and may change over time. Although some tics may be mild, others can cause major dis- tress and difficulty with daily activities.
The exact cause is unclear, but is likely a mix of many factors such as a person’s biolo- gy, psychology, and social situation.
Tics are usually preceded by a building sensation or urge which is alleviated once the movement or sound occurs.
Treatment of functional movement dis- order involves a combination of physical, occupational, or speech therapy and cogni- tive behavioral therapy.
Tourette syndrome is a specific tic disor- der that starts before age 18 and includes a combination of both motor and vocal tics.
Looking Ahead –
Patients with tic disorders may have co-existing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive dis- order (OCD), anxiety, or mood disorders.
the primary cause. Medications may be used to reduce abnormal movements.
Although approved treatments for most movement disorders are for symptom relief, there is hope for disease-modifying treatments in the future.
Tic disorders are diagnosed by talking to and examining the patient, as there is no definitive lab or imaging test for them yet.
Tardive syndromes are a group of delayed-onset movement disorders caused
by exposure to medications that block the effect of dopamine in the brain. This includes tardive dyskinesia, which causes involun- tary movements of the face and tongue. Medications that treat psychiatric or gastroin- testinal issues can lead to tardive syndromes.
If you are experiencing any of the symp- toms mentioned above, the first step is to see a movement disorder specialist. They will provide you with a correct diagnosis and a care plan to improve your quality of life. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to the Bronson Neuroscience Center.
Treatment includes a specific type of therapy called “Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics” (CBIT) and in some cases medication.
Chorea is a constant random flow of nonrhythmic muscle movement. It originates from the Greek word for ‘dance.’
The most common way to treat tardive syndromes is to wean down or get com- pletely off the medication that is causing it. Support in this process is typically offered by the patient’s psychiatrist or another prescrib- ing physician. In cases where medication cannot be stopped or the movements contin- ue, other medications may be used as treatment.
Dr. Mitchell is the area’s only fellow- ship-trained movement disorder specialist. He has experience in treating a wide range of movement disorders, from Parkinson's disease to essential tremor and dystonia. Dr. Mitchell’s approach to care is to act as a col- laborator and advocate in creating a treat- ment plan for each person's unique situation.
Once chorea is diagnosed, lab and imag- ing studies are typically needed to find the underlying cause. In certain cases, genetic testing might also be done.
There are many potential causes of chorea, both acquired and genetic. One genetic cause is Huntington’s disease, which causes abnor- mal movements, cognitive and psychiatric changes. If one parent is affected by the dis- ease, there is a 50 percent chance that their child will also be affected.
Functional movement disorder (psycho- genic movement disorder) is a diagnosis applied to a broad range of abnormal move- ments. It is often sudden in onset and may be
Bronson Neuroscience Center has offic- es at Bronson Battle Creek and at Bronson Methodist Hospital. To learn more about the services and treatments offered at the Bronson Neuroscience Center visit bronson- health.com/neuro.
Treatment of chorea mostly depends on
Probate• Elder Law Estate Planning
Erin L. Majka Phillip E. Harter
395 S. Shore Drive, Suite 205 Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 963-3900
www.mielderlaw.com
Calhoun County Senior Millage
Benefits Counseling
(517) 629-3842 - Albion (800) 803-7174 - Battle Creek (269) 781-0846 - Marshall
Community Care Options
(269) 441-0948
Dental Services
(269) 781-0952
Handy Helper Services & Bed Bug Remediation (866) 200-8877
Hearing & Vision Services
(269) 441-0964
Home Heating Assistance
(269) 965-7766
Legal Assistance
(800) 688-3951
Meal Delivered / Meal Sites
(866) 200-8877
Minor Home Repair
(877) 422-2726
Money Management
(269) 788-1678
Personal Emergency Response
(269) 441-0930
Prescription Assistance
(269) 781-0952
Ramps for Accessibility
(866) 200-8877
Senior Fitness & Fun
(269) 441-0948
Senior Transportation
(269) 565-4144
All services are funded by the citizens of Calhoun County through support of the Senior Millage. Services are available to any County resident, age 60 and over. Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
315 West Green St. Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-0846
www.calhouncountymi.gov
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