movement disorders These are neurological conditions that cause problems with movement due to effects on the brain. They can affect different parts of the body, including the limbs, hands, feet, facial muscles, head, neck, trunk, posture, and voice. Some common types of movement disorders include Parkinson’s disease, Tourette syndrome, Huntington’s disease, tremors, and dystonia.

According to Dr Petarasp Wadia, consultant neurologist who runs the Movement Disorders Clinic at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, although many of these conditions are treatable, early diagnosis is important. “Timely intervention can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. It is also a day to acknowledge the sacrifices of caregivers, who play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of their loved ones,” he said.

Dr Wadia also listed the case of a patient who developed a movement disorder – Parkinson’s disease – due to the drug.

case number 1

A 70-year-old surgeon reported experiencing changes in handwriting, hand tremors, and slowed movements over the past year and a half. Suspecting Parkinson’s disease, he sought consultation for movement disorders. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that he was taking the drug Levosulpiride, prescribed for intestinal problems 1.5 years ago, which he continued to use.

Levosulpiride can cause drug-induced parkinsonism, and upon discontinuing the drug, his condition improved significantly. Within a month, his symptoms improved by more than 80%, and his UPDRS motor score dropped from 26/108 to 4/108 (higher scores indicate greater abnormality). “He did not require any additional medication for Parkinson’s disease. “This case highlights how certain medications can lead to movement disorders such as drug-induced dystonia, tremors or parkinsonism, and how discontinuing the offending medication can lead to substantial improvement,” he said.

case number 2

Another case highlights how a businessman determined antidepressant For Tension has been diagnosed restless leg syndrome,

Abdul (name changed) was under a lot of occupational stress and his psychiatrist had prescribed him three different anti-depressants. The next day, he experienced insomnia, tremors in his legs, and prickling sensations in his legs at night. He was immediately referred to the Movement Disorder Clinic. He reported experiencing occasional “creepy crawling” sensations in his legs, especially at night or after a long car or plane trip, a symptom of restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Before the stress, his symptoms were mild and manageable. Antidepressants aggravated her RLS, leading to severe flare-ups. He was prescribed gabapentin, a medication for RLS, and his antidepressant medications were discontinued. Since then, he has been sleeping well without any leg jerks or discomfort.

According to Dr. Wadia, restless leg syndrome is an under-recognized movement disorder that affects 7-10 percent of the general population.

“Parkinsonism and restless leg syndrome are both types of movement disorders, a group of conditions that affect motor control. Movement disorders are a group of disorders that either slow down day-to-day activities or cause excessive or involuntary movements that cause difficulty in performing tasks,” he said.

FAQs for Caregivers

Is it okay to leave the patient for a few hours? I feel very guilty about it.

Caregiver burnout is a common issue. Caregivers need to take time for themselves, whether it’s pursuing a hobby like yoga or simply taking a walk. Engaging in personal activities is not only acceptable but beneficial to both the caregiver and the patient. Many centers offer respite care, allowing caregivers to take short breaks while their loved ones are cared for in an assisted living facility.

My spouse is behaving strangely. She suspects that I am having an affair with the house staff. This is very hard for me to deal with after such a long and happy marriage.

Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonism, and Huntington’s disease can cause non-motor symptoms, including hallucinations and paranoia. These behaviors can be difficult to manage. Adjusting certain dopaminergic medications (especially dopamine agonists and amantadine) and starting neuroleptic medications such as quetiapine or clozapine can go a long way in reducing these symptoms.

My patient is making excessive online purchases of items she does not need. Is it related to disease?

Excessive shopping and gambling may be a sign of impulse control disorder, which can be caused by dopaminergic drugs, especially dopamine agonists. Lowering the medication dose and adding neuroleptic medications may help manage this behavior.

The patient suffocates while drinking liquids. What should I do?

Difficulty swallowing is common in patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonism, and Huntington’s disease. Speech therapy and swallowing exercises can be helpful for most patients. In advanced stages, a feeding tube may be required. Early intervention is important to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization.

The patient’s condition has suddenly deteriorated. Is this possible?

A sudden worsening of a patient’s condition may indicate an underlying problem such as infection or metabolic imbalance (for example, low sodium or high calcium) or severe constipation. Promptly identifying and treating these factors can often lead to rapid improvement in the patient’s overall condition, even in the context of a neurodegenerative disorder.

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