Our Services / Movement Disorders

What are movement disorders?

Movement disorders are conditions that cause abnormal voluntary or involuntary movements due to dysfunction in the nervous system. You may also be at risk for developing a movement disorder due to infections, brain damage, stroke, or metabolic disorders.

Types of movement disorders that Dr. Ownbey diagnoses and treats include:

Ataxia

Ataxia affects coordination and can cause issues with balance, limb movements, or speech due to dysfunction in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movements.

Dystonia

Dystonia is a condition that causes involuntary, twisting or repetitive muscle contractions in your entire body or just one part.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes muscle tremors, stiffness, and slow movements.

Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs while you’re resting. You may also experience a strong urge to move your legs to ease the discomfort.

When should I seek treatment for a movement disorder?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque if you have symptoms of a movement disorder such as:

• Spasms
• Shaking
• Muscle stiffness
• Jerky movements
• Balance difficulties

Dr. Ownbey offers comprehensive physical exams and neurological evaluations to determine what’s causing your symptoms. He also reviews your personal and family medical histories to identify your risk factors for certain movement disorders.

Additionally, you may need blood work, genetic tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other diagnostic imaging tests as part of your evaluation.

How are movement disorders treated?

Your treatment plan for a movement disorder depends on what type of disorder you have and the severity of your symptoms.

Dr. Ownbey customizes a treatment plan to your individual needs. He may recommend treatments like:

• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy

You may also be a candidate for Botox® therapy. Botox is a prescription medication that temporarily paralyzes stiff or spastic muscles. Injections of Botox can provide results that last up to four months with minimal side effects.

If you have a low quality of life because of Parkinson’s disease or dystonia, you may benefit from deep brain stimulation. This minimally invasive surgery won’t cure the disorder but can change the electrical activity in your brain to lessen your symptoms.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for movement disorder symptoms, call Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque today or book an appointment online.