What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Movement Disorders Clinic
A movement disorder can impact many areas of a child’s life–at school, at home and even with friends. The Movement Disorders care team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has proven experience evaluating, diagnosing and treating movement disorders, including Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, dystonia, tremors and many other conditions that interfere with planning and carrying out voluntary and automatic movements.
We’re here to find answers that will help minimize those movements that interfere with everyday life. We’ll also connect your child with whole-person care to feel their best, physically, socially and emotionally.
Your child’s care team includes specialists from many disciplines, including neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry or psychology, physical medicine, physical therapy, orthopedic surgeons, occupational therapy and any other providers your child needs. Together, we’ll diagnose your child’s condition and create a path forward that gets your child where they want to be. That may include complex and comprehensive diagnostic testing or innovative treatments, such as deep brain stimulation. Our team also offers second opinions and regularly works with your child’s providers, including pediatricians and other specialists.
Learn more about what you can expect at your child’s appointment–and how we’re here to help.
Making an Appointment at the Movement Disorders Clinic
We want it to be simple to get your child the care they need. We welcome referrals from pediatricians and other providers. You can also contact us directly to schedule an appointment and learn more about our clinic.
Schedule your child’s appointment.
Preparing for Your Visit
Your time is important. We understand that and work to make our appointments as efficient and focused as possible–all while taking the time to get to know your child and family. Before your appointment, one of our staff members will call you to learn more about your child. We’ll discuss:
- Medical history
- Recent test results
- Current diagnoses
- Symptoms
- Reason for visiting
You’ll also receive an intake questionnaire that provides more detailed information. This allows our team to provide the best experience for your appointment.
On the Day of Your Visit to the Movement Disorders Clinic
During your child’s first visit, we’ll get to know your child and your family. This includes information about their movement disorders and symptoms, and how it’s affecting everyday life. We want you and your child to feel comfortable and prepared for your visit. Here’s how you can plan for a successful appointment:
- Please complete the intake questionnaire before your appointment. Our physicians use the information you share to guide their discussion and evaluation
- Bring videos of your child displaying tics or abnormal movements. Different settings can bring out different tics or show trouble with movement. Videos on your phone from the playground, home or other settings can help us see the whole picture of your child’s health and symptoms.
- Bring copies of medical records and imaging results. Sometimes, we already have access to this information in your child’s chart. We may ask you to request this information from your child’s current or past providers. Our team can provide instructions on how to get and send records, imaging and test results to our physicians.
Before Your Appointment
Please keep in mind that our hospital is a big place. You may want to arrive about 30 minutes before your child’s appointment—15 minutes to park and walk to the Movement Disorders Clinic and 15 minutes to check in at the registration desk.
Please contact us if you are running late for your appointment.
At Your Appointment
You’ll meet with a neurologist and neurosurgeon with specialized experience in diagnosing, treating and managing movement disorders. During your child’s exam, we will:
- Review the intake questionnaire
- Gather additional information
- Answer questions
- Discuss treatment goals
- Perform a physical exam and a detailed neurological exam
- Evaluate movement, including abnormal movements
- Review previous care and test results
Finally, we will also discuss our recommended treatment plan for your child. This may include additional diagnostic testing, including imaging, genetic tests or other evaluation. We’ll also discuss when we’d like to see your child again.
After Your Visit to the Movement Disorders Clinic
You will receive an “After Visit Summary” before you leave, which includes important information about your next appointments.
