Movement disorders and Parkinson’s
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that affect movement and coordination. They can cause too much movement (hyperkinesia), too little movement (hypokinesia), or uncoordinated movement (ataxia).
These disorders may lead to symptoms that disrupt your ability to perform daily tasks, such as involuntary body movements, tremors, stiffness, slow movement, or balance problems. Some conditions are progressive and need long-term management, while others may resolve after treatment.
At Affidea neuraCare, you’ll receive personalized care from a world-class team who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing movement disorders. Backed by deep experience and the latest innovations, we work to bring you the full potential of modern medicine to help you feel more confident and in control.
Whether you’re searching for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about movement disorders, including types and symptoms, and discover exceptional care at Affidea neuraCare.
There are several types of movement disorders, each with their own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Some may cause increased symptoms with time (called progressive), while others may remain stable or improve with the right treatment and support.
Here are some common and rare movement disorders we diagnose and treat:
- Parkinson’s – a progressive neurological disorder that causes a range of symptoms including muscle stiffness, tremor, difficulty moving and changes to how you walk (short, quick steps or shuffling)
- Parkinsonism – slow movements, loss of balance and weakness not caused by Parkinson’s but by other conditions or treatments
- Functional movement disorders – when movement symptoms occur due to abnormal nervous system function but there are no obvious signs of damage or disease
- Progressive supranuclear palsy – a progressive condition often mistaken for Parkinson’s, causing balance problems with a tendency to fall backwards, slow eye movements, rigid muscles, and cognitive decline
- Corticobasal degeneration – a progressive condition caused by a build-up of a protein called tau in brain cells, often affecting movement on only one side of the body (slow movements, involuntary jerking, and muscle spasms), thinking, behavior and speech
- Huntington’s – a progressive genetic condition that causes symptoms including uncontrolled movements, cognitive decline and mental health symptoms
- Essential tremor – a tremor that increases when attempting movement, which doesn’t have an underlying cause like Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy – a progressive condition where nerve cells in the brain shrink (atrophy), which impacts speech, movement, balance, and essential bodily functions
- Tic disorders – conditions that cause sudden, repetitive movements or sounds (tics), such as Tourette syndrome
- Tardive dyskinesia – an involuntary movement disorder affecting the face, mouth, or tongue typically caused by long-term use of certain medications, such as antipsychotics
- Wilson’s disease – a rare inherited disorder where copper build-up in the brain causes symptoms including, tremors, rigidity, and coordination issues
Understanding the type of movement disorder is a crucial first step towards effective treatment and support. While many of these conditions are complex and may change over time, early diagnosis and a tailored care plan can make a significant difference.
Movement disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms that gradually affect how the body moves, responds, and functions. You may notice changes in the way you walk or how long it takes you to do familiar actions, such as buttoning a shirt.
While each condition is different, the following symptoms are commonly seen across many neurological movement disorders.
Ataxia
Ataxia refers to a lack of coordination and balance, often leading to clumsy and unsteady movements, such as difficulty walking in a straight line. It can be inherited or related to conditions such as multiple system atrophy or stroke. Sometimes, there is no clear cause.
Dystonia
Dystonia is the name for muscle spasms you cannot control (involuntary), which can affect the head, neck or body, and may force uncomfortable positions or movements. This can look like jerky movements, tremors, cramping or twisting, which can be painful.
It’s often lifelong, and can be genetic, a side effect from certain medications, or caused by a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s.
Chorea
This is where the face, mouth, body, arms or legs move in brief, unpredictable and uncontrollable ways. It can range in severity, making it difficult to maintain a steady posture, grip and movement. It can be a side effect of medication, such as for Parkinson’s, or a symptom of a condition, such as Huntington’s.
Myoclonus
Myoclonus involves sudden, brief jerks or twitches in one or more areas of the body that can be repetitive or rhythmic. It can occur on its own, as a side effect of drugs or medication, or as part of a condition, such as epilepsy, compression of the spinal cord in Parkinson’s (myelopathy), or corticobasal degeneration.
Tics
Tics are sudden, uncontrolled repetitive movements or sounds. They can be simple (blinking or throat clearing) or complex (clapping or saying full phrases). Tics are commonly seen in Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, which typically begin in childhood.
Tremor
A tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic shaking of the hands, voice, head, or legs. There are a variety of causes, including essential tremor, Parkinson’s, or certain medications. Some people find their tremors get worse with stress or fatigue.
Spasticity
Increased muscle tone can lead to spasticity, which can result in rigidity, tightness, or muscle spasms. This can make movement difficult or painful. It’s commonly seen in conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or a traumatic spinal cord injury.
Difficulty moving
Some people may also experience slowed movements (bradykinesia) or trouble starting movement (hypokinesia). You might notice you take longer to complete everyday tasks or your movements are smaller and less fluid, such as smaller handwriting. These are often early signs of Parkinson’s, but can happen in other conditions, such as corticobasal degradation.
Because several movement disorders share similar symptoms, a comprehensive assessment by a specialist neurologist can make a significant difference.
The first step is a detailed consultation with a neurologist to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and how your condition has progressed over time. This also involves a basic physical exam to assess your range of movement and physical ability.
Depending on your symptoms and possible conditions, you may have further investigations, such as:
- MRI or CT scans to look for structural changes or signs of damage in the brain or spinal cord
- DaTscan imaging to assess dopamine activity in the brain, particularly if Parkinson’s or parkinsonism is suspected
- Pathology tests, such as blood and urine tests or a lumbar puncture, to check your overall health and rule out metabolic, genetic, or autoimmune causes
- Specialist genetic tests and counselling
- Neurodiagnostics, such as an EMG or nerve conduction study, to evaluate muscle and nerve function
Getting the right diagnosis is a vital first step toward planning effective care. No matter the diagnosis, we take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and make sure you feel supported knowing things are moving in the right direction.
While not all movement disorders can be cured, many symptoms can be effectively managed with the right combination of treatments and supportive therapies. The goal is to treat any underlying conditions, ease symptoms, and help you stay active for as long as possible.
Depending on symptoms and possible conditions, treatment may include:
- Medication to manage symptoms, such as tremor, stiffness or involuntary movements, including neurological Botox injections for dystonia or spasticity
- Occupational therapy uses tailored strategies and assistive technology to adapt tasks, routines, and your environment to support and manage your changing needs
- Neuropsychology to assess how your condition is affecting your thinking, behavior, and emotions, and providing the necessary support
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical technique that can help some people with advanced Parkinson’s or essential tremor when conventional therapy is no longer effective or causes side effects
- Supportive therapies involve ongoing support for you and your loved ones to help manage the emotional and practical sides of living with a neurological condition, such as peer support groups, expert condition education, and counselling
Your multidisciplinary team works closely with you to find the most effective blend of treatments for your specific needs and goals. We take a whole-person approach, offering continuous support to help you adapt, stay active, and live well for as long as possible.
Hellenic neurological society. Therapeutic protocols for movement disorders. 2018.
Parkinson’s UK. Motor symptoms – slowness of movement. 2022.
International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Movement disorder overviews.
Lui F et al. Chorea. StatPearls. 2025.
