Movement Disorders Clinic

Comprehensive Movement Disorders Clinic in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health is home to the region's most comprehensive program for movement disorders. You have access to an expert team, including highly skilled neurologists who deliver advanced therapies and additional staff who provide support. We also lead groundbreaking research that connects you with innovative options that are not widely available.

Movement Disorders We Treat

Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that affect your ability to control movement.

We treat common and complex conditions, including:  

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Ataxia 
• Chorea
• Corticobasal degeneration
• Dystonia 
• Essential tremor and other tremor disorders
• Huntington's disease 
• Lewy body dementia 
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Myoclonus
• Parkinson's disease 
• Progressive supranuclear palsy 
• Spasticity
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Tics
• Tourette's syndrome

Our Services for Dystonia, Huntington's Disease and Other Movement Disorders

Movement disorder specialists at UMass Memorial deliver exceptional care that eases symptoms and optimizes your quality of life. We empower you to actively participate in your care and tailor therapies to meet your needs and preferences.

Movement disorder services we offer include:

Genetic Testing

Some movement disorders, like Huntington's disease, chorea and dystonia, can be passed down in families. UMass Memorial offers genetic testing services that detect gene changes (mutations) associated with these disorders. Licensed genetic counselors interpret test results and help you and your loved ones learn more about your risk.

Medications 

Movement disorder specialists at UMass Memorial use the latest medical therapies approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Your care may include drugs that reduce brain activity responsible for uncontrolled movements. Sometimes, we use medications approved for other conditions, such as seizures, to quiet symptoms like hand tremors.

Rehabilitative Therapies

Rehabilitation therapy services can ease discomfort and help maximize your abilities. You may benefit from:

• Occupational therapy helps you perform daily tasks, like bathing and toileting, as independently as possible.
• Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.
• Speech therapy strengthens a shaky voice and improves your ability to speak clearly.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Injections can stop muscle twitches on the side of the face and eyelid spasms. They also relieve unusual muscle tightening (contracture) associated with dystonia.

Surgical Procedures

For movement disorder symptoms that do not respond to medications, you may benefit from a procedure such as deep brain stimulation. An implantable device sends gentle electrical pulses to the brain to help regulate signals that control movement. Learn more about neurosurgery services.

Support

A movement disorder can bring unexpected challenges to your daily life. We are here for you with support from social workers who answer questions and provide referrals to community resources. Nurse navigators coordinate the tests and treatments you need so you can focus on feeling your best.