Movement Disorders Care

Neurological movement disorders can affect your ability to walk, talk, and move. Living with a progressive movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease can make everyday movements a struggle. You may also be worried about your future health as the disease progresses. At Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Neuroscience Institute, we help you get symptom relief and manage the condition long term.

Our movement disorder specialists are leaders in their fields. We’ve helped hundreds of patients live fuller, more active lives after administering an innovative treatment called deep brain stimulation surgery. At AHN, we provide access to comprehensive evaluation services and novel treatment options to help you manage your care.

Expert movement disorders care at AHN: Why choose us?

People with a range of movement disorders choose AHN because of our:

  • Expertise: Our network includes several physicians who have received training in the diagnosis and treatment of complex and rare movement disorders. We are committed to helping patients live healthy, active lives.
  • Specialized clinics: Our outpatient clinics for Parkinson’s disease and spasticity care bring together neurologists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and other medical professionals to address many aspects of your care during one visit. Read more about our comprehensive Parkinson’s care and comprehensive spasticity care.
  • Novel treatment options: We offer a wide range of therapies, including new medications and innovative treatments and surgeries. Deep brain stimulation and other neurosurgical treatments have provided many benefits to patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, and dystonia. Certain types of physical, occupational, and speech therapy may improve symptoms of essential tremor and dystonia.
  • Personalized care plans: At AHN, we use the latest technologies and therapies to diagnose and treat patients, tailoring care to your symptoms and circumstances. Our physicians coordinate all aspects of your care across our network of specialists and services.
  • Long-term follow-up: Living with a movement disorder may mean your symptoms or challenges change over the coming years. We stay in regular contact with our patients, helping you reach goals that are meaningful for you while supporting you over the long term.

Movement disorders we treat

Our team evaluates and manages patients who have movement disorders, including:

Get precise movement disorders diagnosis at AHN

Movement disorders are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms can mirror those of many other conditions. AHN’s specialists have a thorough understanding of many different movement disorders. We use a range of diagnostic tools to evaluate your symptoms and provide a precise diagnosis. No single test can diagnose a movement disorder. After evaluating your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other imaging tests, which can help physicians rule out conditions, such as a tumor, that might explain your symptoms
  • Blood or urine tests, which can tell us if there are unusual levels of blood cells, hormones or other substances that may be causing your symptoms
  • Neurological tests, which measure your muscle strength and reflexes

Get expert movement disorders treatment at AHN

After a comprehensive evaluation, we develop a thoughtful care plan that addresses your symptoms and challenges. AHN’s movement disorders care team is led by a network of board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehab physicians who have years of experience treating complex movement disorders. Your treatment plan may change as the condition progresses or as your preferences change.
 

Treatment options include:

  • Medication: Your physician helps determine which medications and dosage would most benefit you, based on your symptoms and specific challenges.
  • Physical therapy: Certain exercises or activities may improve your symptoms. Regular activity can also benefit your health in many ways. Our knowledgeable, caring physical therapists work with you on a customized physical therapy plan.
  • Speech or occupational therapy: Our specially trained speech and occupational therapists can help you relearn how to complete daily activities that have become difficult.
  • Surgery: Neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation, may be an option for you. Our specialists have performed hundreds of these innovative procedures, which involve surgically implanting electrodes into the brain to regulate impulses.

Contact us

To schedule an appointment or learn more about AHN neuroscience services, call (412) 359-8850 in Pittsburgh or (814) 452-7575 in Erie.

If you're an existing patient, you can also call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 in Pittsburgh or request an appointment with AHN neuroscience services.