Movement disorders are among the most common diseases in neurology. They are usually characterised by involuntary impoverishment (hypokinesia), excessive movement (hyperkinesia) or incorrect execution of movements. These diseases include:
- Parkinson's disease and other similar diseases with reduced mobility
- Diseases that lead to increased tremor such as hereditary essential tremor, intention tremor in cerebellar diseases, myoclonies (involuntary, irregular muscle twitches) and again Parkinson's disease
- Persistent muscle cramps, known as dystonia, which can affect individual muscles and limbs or the whole body
- Coordination disorders (ataxias) in cerebellar diseases, Wilson's disease, Huntington's disease or Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome
We treat all these diseases at the Helios Hospital Krefeld. A first important step is to precisely identify the illness and its causes. To do this, we use the latest ultrasound techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, neurophysiological techniques and imaging methods which can depict the brain's metabolism (e.g. DatScan).
It is not uncommon that careful clarification reveals a cause that can be eliminated - ideal for our patients. More often, however, these disorders are so-called neurodegenerative diseases, in which motor centres of the brain age prematurely and become ill. Here, the treatment of symptoms has priority. The aim of differentiated therapies in these cases is to maintain quality of life, improve mobility and slow down the progression of the disease.
An essential part of the therapy is the development of an individual medication plan, other important components are physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and specialised care. The treatment requires a great deal of clinical experience and sensitivity - we take great pleasure in mastering this challenge.