Treating Movement Disorders

When you’re diagnosed with a movement disorder, you may wonder how it will affect your ability to work and participate in other activities. We understand. This is why we provide compassionate care and support to help you keep doing the things you love.

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Why Choose Us for Your Movement Disorder Care?

At Providence, we care for your mind, body and spirit, so you can live your best life. With more than 14,000 appointments each year, here’s why patients with movement disorders choose Providence:

Doctor speaking with patient

There are many movement disorders, and they all affect patients differently. We personalize your care to make life easier as you adjust to changes. Our goal is not only to manage your symptoms, but also to slow the progression of your disease. We focus on your overall well-being, as well as your individual needs, to empower you during your care journey.

Our neuroscience specialists work together to diagnose your movement disorder and explore treatment options, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Depending on your condition, your team may include movement disorder specialists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists and neuroimaging specialists. You may also work with physical therapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists with expertise in movement disorders.

For many patients with movement disorders, support services can be as important as treatment. We know many patients can benefit from lifestyle changes, so we offer movement programs, mindfulness classes and exercises that stimulate brain function. We also have support groups and social workers to help you and your loved ones manage your treatment. In addition, we provide educational events and resources on movement disorders that are available to the community.

At Providence, we are committed to providing access to the best care to everyone in our diverse community, including patients with movement disorders. We respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identity of every patient. We offer location-specific services such as English translation, telehealth appointments and help with transportation. In keeping with our Mission, Providence also offers financial assistance programs that provide free and low-cost care to those who are eligible.

As a patient at Providence, you benefit from one of the largest networks of neuroscientists in the country. This collaborative system includes award-winning physicians, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. We offer innovative treatments for movement disorders through our large clinical trial program and specialized facilities. As a result of our work, Providence was one of the first providers to offer focused ultrasound treatment for patients with essential tremor.

How Our Doctors Are Making a Difference

Bill Bezanson had focused ultrasound at Providence to stop the essential tremor that was taking over his life. Thanks to the procedure, Bill says he “feels human again.”

Patient Stories

When Mike Brodlieb was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, tremors affected his entire body. After undergoing deep brain stimulation at Providence, he immediately saw a 95 percent reduction in shaking. “I was so happy, I was crying afterward,” he says. Read Mike Brodlieb’s story

Mike Brodlieb
Providence Patient

More About Movement Disorders

Movement disorders affect how you move your body. They can cause problems like shaking, stiffness or difficulty with coordination, making it hard to do everyday things like eating or driving a car. Some movement disorders may be treated with medication or managed with supportive aids such as weighted eating utensils, which are heavier than standard utensils to help stabilize the hand and arm to reduce tremors. Other movement disorders may require surgical treatment.

Types of movement disorders include:

Testing and Diagnostics

Doctor smiling with senior patient

Your neurological team will use the most advanced tools to diagnose your movement disorder. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Autoimmune panels
  • DaTscan
  • Genetic testing
  • MRI
  • Neuropsychological testing
  • Non-invasive wearable sensors
  • Swallow evaluations
  • Syn-One biopsy

Personalized Treatment for Movement Disorders

There are many kinds of movement disorders, and each patient can experience different symptoms. This is why your care team works with you to create a treatment plan based specifically on your needs. Your plan may extend beyond your initial treatment to include rehabilitation and lifestyle changes. Treatment may include one or more of the following therapies:

  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Speech therapy
  • Wearable neurostimulation devices

Find Neurological Care Close to You

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

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