A movement disorder such as essential tremor, dystonia or Parkinson’s disease can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. There’s not only the physical and functional limitations, but also social interaction, communications, confidence and self-esteem can be negatively affected. That’s why Gundersen Lutheran established its Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center.
The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center is a collaborative effort among Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Social Services. The goal is to provide comprehensive, coordinated medical and surgical care for improved quality of life, including diagnosis, rehabilitative services and continued medical management for complex movement disorders.
The Movement Disorders team consults on, evaluates and/or treats patients with a wide range of movement disorders, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tremors of any type
- Cervical dystonia
- Generalized dystonia
- Blepharospasm and facial spasm
- Dyskinesia
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Multiple system atrophy
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Gait and balance problems
- Huntington disease
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Ataxia
- Other non-specified movement disorders
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center works together to maximize comfort and control with treatment options such as medication; physical, occupational and speech therapy; surgery or deep brain stimulation if appropriate; braces and other assistive devices; and more.
The Center can also help those with new or worsening symptoms, especially when speech, mobility or strength is affected. There is also support for patients who need help coping with a progressive disease and maintaining their independence.
Additional resources