Movement Disorders
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Mind Performance Center
J Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB
Neurology & Functional Neurology Practice located in Foley, AL and serving the greater Baldwin County
Movement disorders develop from problems in the brain pathways that control muscles. As a functional neurologist, J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, at Mind Performance Center in Foley, Alabama, specializes in therapeutic exercises that treat movement disorders by rehabilitating the dysfunctional areas of your brain. At Mind Performance Center we proudly serve residents of Foley, Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, and Pensacola and throughout the world by telemedicine. If you have questions about movement disorders or how functional neurology can improve your symptoms, book an appointment by calling the office today.
Movement Disorders Q & A
What are movement disorders?
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause uncontrollable or slow muscle movement. Though each type of movement disorder has a different cause, they all develop due to changes in the nerves and neurochemicals in your brain that control muscles.
How is movement affected in Parkinsonian syndromes?
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common movement disorders. This condition develops when certain nerves in the brain degenerate, leading to a drop in dopamine, the brain chemical that’s essential for muscle movement.
Parkinson’s is just one condition in a group of disorders called Parkinsonian syndromes. These diseases cause symptoms such as:
- Rigid muscles
- Tremors
- Impaired balance
- Slow muscle movement
Other movement disorders in the Parkinsonian group include dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal degeneration.
Are there other types of movement disorders?
Yes, there are several movement disorders. The muscle problems that define these disorders can also appear as symptoms in other neurological conditions:
Dystonia
Dystonia causes involuntary muscle spasms, which in turn lead to uncontrollable twisting and repetitive movements. This condition can affect your whole body, a group of muscles, or even a single muscle.
Essential tremor
Essential tremor is defined by shaking or trembling that worsens when you move. It often affects one or both arms and hands. When this movement is a symptom of another condition, it’s called tremor rather than essential tremor.
Dyskinesia
Dyskinesia causes a combination of tremors, muscle spasms, jerky movements, and tics. When dyskinesia isn’t a primary diagnosis, it’s often a symptom caused by psychiatric medications, as well as medications that treat Parkinson’s disease.
Are restless legs a movement disorder?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is considered a movement disorder because it causes the uncontrollable need to move your legs. RLS is associated with dysfunction in the areas of the brain that use dopamine. However, it’s also described as a sleep disorder and a neurological sensory disorder that arises from problems in brain pathways.
How are movement disorders treated?
After reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough neurological examination, Dr. Brown implements a functional neurology approach, using specialized brain rehabilitation procedures specifically designed for movement disorders.
Dr. Brown customizes each person’s treatment to best meet their neurological condition. However, rehabilitation often includes dietary changes and various auditory, visual, vestibular, and motor activities.
To learn more about how functional neurology can improve movement disorders, call Mind Performance Center or book an appointment online.