The Movement Disorder Clinic specializes in evaluating, diagnosing and treating infants, children and adolescents with ataxia, athetosis, ballism, chorea, drug-induced movement disorders, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, parkinsonism, paroxysmal movement disorders, psychogenic movement disorders, Sydenham chorea, tardive dyskinesia and tremor.
Movement disorders interfere with planning and carrying out voluntary and automatic movements, usually due to a problem in movement areas of the brain. These can be disorders of brain function or diseases where the brain is degenerating over time.
The Movement Disorder Clinic emphasizes diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, the diagnostic process is complex, involving brain imaging, genetics and other technologies. Treatments are mainly symptomatic – attempts to reduce the burden of illness by diminishing symptoms. In most cases, there are no treatments that cure or modify the progression of the neurological disease. We are experienced in managing cognitive and emotional symptoms of these conditions. We manage symptoms through our clinic or in consultation with local primary or specialty physicians. We also provide second opinions. We work closely with psychologists and psychiatrists at Cincinnati Children's and in the community to offer a full spectrum of treatment options. We also do research to understand the causes and find better treatments for these conditions.