East Texas specialists for Parkinson’s and movement disorders
When facing a movement disorder, you want the most skilled specialists at the forefront of your care. The UT Health East Texas Movement Disorders Center has gained a reputation for excellence. Nationally ranked within the top 10 percent of programs for deep brain stimulation treatment, patients travel to East Texas from across the state and around the world seeking an accurate diagnosis, advanced treatments and individualized care. Our center is comprised of four fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and a team of highly skilled neurologists. Together, our team provides a continuum of care that will guide patients and their families through the process of treatment and support for a range of movement disorders.
Conditions we treat
Our Movement Disorders Center provides care for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Blepharospasm
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Chorea
- Dystonia
- Essential tremor and familial tremor
- Hemifacial spasm
- Huntington’s disease
- Involuntary movements
- Myoclonus
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- Restless leg syndrome
- Spacticity
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Tics
- Torticollis
- Tourette’s syndrome
Should you require care for a condition not listed above, our specialists will work together to ensure you receive the exceptional care you deserve. Please call us to learn more about our treatments and services.
Movement disorder signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of movement disorders vary and depend on the type and extent of the condition. Factors such as anxiety, fatigue, medication and stress can affect the severity of symptoms at any given time. Some of the more common symptoms of movement disorders are:
- Gait changes
- Disrupted balance
- Involuntary movements, sounds or grunts
- Changes in muscle strength
- Muscle pain, contractions or spasms
If you suspect you may have a movement disorder, speak to your physician about obtaining a referral to our Movement Disorders Center.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment
The neurosurgeons at UT Health East Texas have performed more than 350 DBS procedures to help successfully control symptoms of movement disorders. DBS is known to make a tremendous difference in quality of life for people with movement or affective disorders. For instance, a patient with Parkinson’s disease is likely to gain six more hours of daily functioning time and cut the number of necessary medications in half as a result of DBS.
According to Dr. Plotkin, “It’s a tremendous boon for the patient. Our complication rates are extremely low, and patients universally say that if they had to option to do it again they would do it again.”
Support programs
Coping with a movement disorder can be a challenge. That’s why UT Health East Texas offers free support groups to provide information and community for patients and caregivers living with movement disorders. Call 903-596-2812 for more information and to find a support group that fits your needs.