Parkinson’s: Movement Disorder Specialist

A Journey into Parkinson's with Nancy Mellon 

Coordinated by the magnificent tea drinking Mrs. B

What the Heck is a Movement Disorder Specialist?

In our PD dance class today, Tom asked is there anyone who has a Movement Disorder Specialist you could recommend? I raised my hand in Zoom land, “I do.” Then Paul asked what is a Movement Disorder Specialist? I said it is someone who specializes in Parkinson's disease and other Movement Disorders. Paul was still perplexed, “why if they are supposed to know so much about Parkinson's why are they called a Movement Disorder Specialist, Parkinson's is a lot more than movement disorders. Judy added “shouldn't they be called a Parkinson's specialist? 

I realized , I really didn't know the answers, I had read on the Parkinson's Foundation web site and on the Michael J. Fox Foundation web site that I needed to have one. So that 's what I got. And I like her. She listens well, answers my questions with respectful thought and knows a lot about Parkinson's.

OK Paul, Let's find out. “Hey Google!”

A neurologist may treat patients with any of more than 100 neurological conditions, including PD. A movement disorder specialist focuses primarily on PD and movement disorders, such as dystonia and tremors.

From the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) website:

A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with 2 years of additional training in Parkinson’s disease (PD) who personalizes care to an individual’s symptoms and needs. People with Parkinson’s who see a movement disorder specialist often report feeling more informed and better equipped to manage symptoms.

Me: “I did.”

MJFF: Why is it important for a movement disorder specialist to be part of the Parkinson’s care team?

KL: Parkinson’s can affect many parts of a person’s life. A movement disorder specialist is expertly trained to address the various motor and non-motor symptoms that can occur through a holistic and individualized approach to improve quality of life. In general, movement disorder specialists have more access to community resources, such as physical and occupational therapy, boxing programs and tai chi classes, for example, which we can refer patients to when necessary.

Me: Yep, mine has been referring her heart out for me already.

MJFF: How can a movement disorder specialist help in Parkinson’s?

KL: Primarily, we have experience prescribing medications for both motor and non-motor symptoms. But in addition to medical therapies, we also have “tips and tricks” for lifestyle adjustments to help symptoms that we’ve learned from other patients. We also provide evaluation and referral for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery when appropriate as well as support for family and care partners.  

Whew!

Good luck Tom! 

Cheers,

Nancy and the Snark

Footnotes from mrs.b the tea drinker:

I have the feeling anyone past a certain age could do well having an evaluation by a movement disorder specialist as part of geriatric health exam. It surprised me to learn how my balance on my right side was so weak as I’d aged. I only learned because I needed  physical therapy for my back a few years ago. 

Well back to my tea. Love mrs.b