Movement Disorders Diagnosis
 ESSENTIAL TREMOR
The most common movement disorder, Essential Tremor tends to be familial and progress with age. It can involve only one hand or become severe and involve both sides and the head. It responds well to treatment.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
The second most common neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, is progressively disabling. Aggressive therapy early in the course has been shown to improve quality of life, and recent studies show surgery can offer many patients a better quality of life than medication alone.
DYSTONIA
Dystonia is a disorder that is very disabling. The most common form is cervical spasmodic torticollis, but all forms,even Tardive Dyskinesias and primary genetic syndromes now have effective treatments.
TREMOR & OTHERS
Tremor of all kinds can be effectively treated with correct techniques, even post – stroke or post-traumatic conditions. Our staff also treats restless leg syndrome and other less common and less severe disorders. Common problems after stroke and spinal cord injury, such as pain syndromes and severe spasticity have treatments available and can be evaluated
Our Clinic Offers The Following Assessments
MOVEMENT DISORDERS NEUROLOGY
Our neurologists have extensive experience with movement disorders of all types. Medical management remains the foundation for all of these disorders.
Services we offer:
• Optimized medical regimen or advice on when it might be time to look at more aggressive measures like surgery
• Use of videotaped examinations to assure we have the most accurate record of how a patient’s condition changed with each intervention or change in regimen.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
The cognitive aspects of Parkinson’s Disease and the other movement disorders are often overlooked, but represent a major component of long term loss of function in many patients.
Our evaluations include:
• Baseline evaluation in all patients
• Quantitative tracking of the effects of interventions
such as medication changes.
SOCIAL WORK, FAITH, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Treating the whole person means actively considering the position of the patient in society, what social services are available that aren’t being used, caregiver needs, transportation problems, issues of faith, and possible modes of alternative medicine that might be explored. We have active partners in our clinic to address all of these concerns, making it one of the most comprehensive clinics in the southeast.
SLEEP MEDICINE
Disturbances of sleep are extremely common with movement disorders. Consultation is available by a sleep neurologist to determine if a formal sleep study in a sleep lab would be helpful, or whether simple adjustments in the regimen may resolve the problem.
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS)
For some movement disorders, the safe implantation of small wires deep in the areas of the brain has restored balance in the movement circuits with a device similar to a pacemaker. Recent studies demonstrate that in many patients the result is clearly superior to the best results obtainable with medications alone.
PSYCHIATRY
The drugs used in Parkinson’s Disease are well known to have side effects. In addition, major depression is very common and can lead to suicidal thoughts if left untreated. We make psychiatric consideration integral to our approach to every patient.
REHABILITATION MEDICINE
Our experienced therapists provide a thorough, standardized evaluation and recommend treatment to help you maintain the best level of function possible.
• Speech Therapy - Our clinic provides the region’s only Lee Silverman Voice Training certified therapist. LSVT is the only speech therapy shown by Class I evidence to improve function in those living with Parkinson’s Disease.
• Physical Therapy - Our clinic enhances your independence and quality of life by improving movement and function and relieving pain.
• Occupational Therapy - Our clinic helps you perform everyday activities with greater ease and satisfaction by improving your skills, showing you different ways to complete tasks or introducing you to appropriate equipment.
DRIVING ASSESSMENT
• A driving assessment can be done using validated computer simulation. This can certify the reasonable safety of continuing to drive or of a return to driving. If it is not safe to drive, an aggressive treatment protocol is designed to try to regain this level of function.
Driving Directions
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From I-75 South
Take the ARKWRIGHT RD exit-
EXIT 169- toward US-23 / RIVERSIDE DR.
Turn RIGHT onto ARKWRIGHT RD.
Turn LEFT onto RIVERSIDE DR. / US-23 / GA-87.
Turn RIGHT onto NORTHSIDE DR.
From I-75 North
Take the PIERCE AVE / GA-247 exit- EXIT 167
Take the GA-87 ramp
Turn RIGHT onto RIVERSIDE DR. / US-23 / GA-87
Turn LEFT onto NORTHSIDE DR.
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TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Phone: 478-633-6111
Fax: 478-738-3834
mdc@ganeurosurg.org
Download the pdf brochure
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