Movement disorders are a group of conditions that affect a person's ability to control body movements, resulting in abnormal or involuntary movements, or slowness of movement. These disorders can be caused by problems in the central nervous system, especially in the basal ganglia, which are responsible for regulating movement.
Types of movement disorders
Tremor: An involuntary, common shaking of the hands or head, such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease tremor.
Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that lead to abnormal postures.
Parkinson's disease: characterized by slow movement, tremors, and muscle stiffness.
Chorea: sudden, rapid, involuntary movements, as in Huntington's disease.
Dyskinesia: Abnormal movements caused by medications such as dopamine antagonists.
Ataxia: loss of motor coordination.
Tourette syndrome: involuntary movements or sounds (ticks).
Methods of treating movement disorders
Relief of tremors and movement disorders depends on the primary cause of these symptoms, whether they are caused by a condition such as Parkinson's disease, anxiety, stress, or another medical condition. Here are some ways that can help relieve these symptoms:
1. Drug treatment
Dopamine and its derivatives: such as levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease.
Anticholinergics: to reduce tremor or dystonia.
Benzodiazepines: to relieve muscle tension.
Antiepileptic drugs: to treat some conditions such as dyskinesia or ataxia.
2. Neurostimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Electrodes are implanted to stimulate specific areas of the brain, useful for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
3. Physical therapy
Helps improve balance, strength and muscle coordination.
Includes stretching and muscle strengthening exercises.
4. Occupational therapy
Helps patients adapt to their daily activities using special tools or techniques.
5. Psychotherapy
It helps patients cope with the psychological stress resulting from movement disorder.
6. Botox injections
It is used to treat dystonia or tremor.
7. Surgery
They are an option in severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
Lifestyle and support
Exercise regularly to improve muscle function.
Reduce stress because it may exacerbate movement disorders.
Follow a healthy diet that contains nutrients that support nerve health.
Consulting a specialist doctor is the first step to determining the type of movement disorder and the appropriate treatment plan.