Movement Disorders Sourcebook

Basic Consumer Health Information about the Symptoms and Causes of Movement Disorders, Including Parkinson Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia, Myoclonus, Spina Bifida, Dystonia, Essential Tremor, Choreatic Disorders, Huntington Disease, Tourette Syndrome, and Other Disorders that Cause Slowed, Absent, or Excessive Movements

Nearly 40 million Americans—about one in seven people—experience stiff, jerky, or excessive motions that characterize the neurological conditions known as movement disorders. For many, movement disorders cause chronic pain, weakness, and disability and make employment and independent living difficult or impossible. Although most movement disorders cannot be cured, patients who get timely diagnoses and educate themselves about medications, surgeries, and therapies may find relief of painful symptoms and face fewer limitations.

Movement Disorders Sourcebook, Second Edition provides information about the common types and symptoms of movement disorders in children and adults. It details the causes and treatments of Parkinson disease and provides information on other hypokinetic movement disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, myoclonus, spina bifida, and spinal cord injury. Basic facts about hyperkinetic movement disorders, including dystonia, essential tremor, choreatic disorders, Huntington disease, movement disorders during sleep, and Tourette syndrome, are provided. In addition, the book offers information about surgical and nonsurgical treatments, physical therapies, strategies for independent living, and tips for spouses, caregivers, and parents of people with movement disorders. The volume concludes with a glossary of related terms and a directory of resources.