At any given time, we are in full control of our body movements and do not think twice while performing simple everyday activities such as eating, dressing, cooking, walking, running, or exercising. However, if a disease affects our ability to execute these body movements, it affects our overall quality of life.  

Movement disorders constitute a category of neurological conditions that result in abnormal movements that can be either in excess or diminished. They can affect both voluntary movements, such as putting on clothes, applying makeup, or drinking from a glass, or they may impact involuntary movements, such as facial expressions or arm swings while walking. 

At Apollo Hospital’s Movement Disorder Clinic, our commitment is to offer specialised care for various movement disorders. We provide thorough services, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonism, essential tremors, tics, myoclonus, dystonia, and other challenges related to movement. Employing a patient-centric approach, our devoted team is ready to offer empathetic assistance and deliver top-tier quality care. 

Meet Our Expert

Dr. Soumya Sharma 

Consultant Movement Disorders Neurologist                                       

MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Neurology) 

Fellowship in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, London Movement Disorders Centre, Ontario, Canada 

Apollo hospital, Jubilee hills 

Dr. Soumya Sharma received her training in movement disorders in Canada under the mentorship of Dr. Mandar Jog, a world-renowned movement disorder specialist. Over a period of 6 years in Canada, she had the opportunity to learn and perfect her skills in diagnosing and managing patients with movement disorders. Her vision is to provide exemplary care to these patients. 

Discover More About Movement Disorders

Movement disorders represent a subspecialty of neurology that is dedicated to conditions causing abnormal movements. These movements may be excessive, referred to as hyperkinetic, or as scarce, known as hypokinetic movement disorders. They have the potential to disrupt the coordination and regulation of the body’s movements, posing challenges to everyday tasks. These disorders appear in various forms, impacting individuals uniquely.

Slow movements (hypokinetic movement disorders):

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. As the condition evolves, individuals may face challenges in simple tasks such as buttoning one’s shirt, cutting or chopping vegetables, walking, and speaking. In addition, they may experience alterations in mental and behavioural aspects, such as sleep disturbances, depression, memory issues, and fatigue. Although the typical age for a Parkinson’s diagnosis is around 60, being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 50 or younger is classified as young-onset Parkinson’s, abbreviated as YOPD.

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:

• Slowness in movements
• Stiffness in the body
• Shuffling while walking
• Soft speech
• Tremulousness or shaking of hands and feet.

Parkinsonism:

Parkinsonism serves as an umbrella term encompassing a range of neurological disorders characterised by symptoms such as tremor, slowed movements, and stiffness. In the majority of patients, the cause of parkinsonism is Parkinson’s disease. The presence of additional symptoms and signs, such as blood pressure fluctuations or early falls, provides a clue as to the cause of Parkinsonism.

The following are the usual symptoms of Parkinsonism:

• Slowness in movements
• Early falls
• Alterations in speech
• Swallowing difficulties
• Cognitive concerns

Too Many Movements (hyperkinetic movement disorders):

• Tremor

Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic shaking or trembling that affects your hands, arms, head, or any other parts of your body. It can occur in isolation or be secondary to another disorder. Tremor can pose challenges and may result in routine tasks like writing, typing, eating, shaving, and dressing.

• Dystonia

Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary muscle contractions leading to slow, repetitive movements or abnormal postures, often accompanied by pain. This condition can manifest in various forms, affecting individual muscles, muscle groups, or muscles throughout the entire body.

• Myoclonus

Myoclonus is characterised by rapid, sudden, and brief jerky-twitching movements that occur randomly and can affect any part of the body. These involuntary twitches cannot be consciously halted or controlled by the individual experiencing them.

• Chorea

Chorea refers to fleeting, flowing, and non-rhythmic movements that can lead to clumsiness, fidgetiness, or even a change in your walking.

• Tics

These are quick, involuntary movements or sounds that can be momentarily suppressed. Tics come in two forms: motor tics, involving rapid jerky movements of a body part (s), and vocal tics, which consist of uttered sounds.

FAQs

What are movement disorders, and how do I know if I have one? 

Movement disorders are conditions that affect your body movements, often causing symptoms that range from simple twitching of your eyelids and too much blinking to tremulousness of your hands or legs, stiffness, or difficulties with coordination. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult our experts for an accurate evaluation. 

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and is it safe? 

DBS is a well-established procedure that involves implanting electrodes in your brain, which can be programmed to help manage your symptoms safely and effectively. Our medical team will assess your condition and health to determine if it is right for you. 

What treatment options are available for movement disorders? 

We offer a range of treatments, including medications, botulinum toxin injections, and advanced surgical procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Lesioning Surgery. 

Are there non-surgical treatment options available for movement disorders? 

Yes, we offer oral medications and botulinum toxin injections before considering surgical options. 

How can I schedule an appointment at Apollo Hospitals for movement disorder treatment? 

Contact us at [Phone Number] or visit our website to arrange an appointment with our experts. We are here to guide you on your journey to better health and improved mobility.