Overview
Movement disorders include conditions affecting movement, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and restless legs syndrome.
Timely and accurate diagnosis, combined with individualised, long-term follow-up, is decisive for preserving function and quality of life.
Symptoms
Parkinson's disease often presents with a gradual onset of motor and non-motor symptoms:
- Bradykinesia — slowness of movement
- Resting tremor, usually in one hand
- Stiffness and changes in gait
- Non-motor symptoms — sleep, smell or mood disturbances
Types & differential diagnosis
Not every tremor is Parkinson's disease. The most common tremor is essential tremor, which differs from Parkinsonian tremor. Other movement disorders, such as dystonia, have a different picture and treatment.
Careful differentiation from conditions with a similar picture is essential for the right treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is largely clinical. Initial assessment includes a detailed examination of the movement pattern and symptoms, differential diagnosis and, where indicated, imaging.
Treatment approach
Treatment includes medication tailored to symptoms and stage and, where indicated, botulinum toxin therapy for focal dystonia or related manifestations.
Regular follow-up allows treatment to be adjusted in good time as the patient's needs evolve, with emphasis on preserving function.
When to see a neurologist
- A new tremor, especially at rest and on one side
- Slowness of movement, stiffness or changes in gait
- Recurrent falls or unsteadiness
- Involuntary contractions or abnormal postures (dystonia)