Welcome to the Movement Disorder Laboratory

Movement Disorders are described as a group of neurological conditions that affect the ability to produce and control movements. Examples are: Essential Tremors; Parkinson’s Disease; and Dystonia. Millions of people in the United States suffer from Movement Disorders. Treatment varies by disorder. Medicine can cure some disorders, others get better when the underlying disease is treated. Often there is no cure. In this case, the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and relieve pain.

Some movement disorders, such as hiccups, are temporary and usually cause little inconvenience. Others, such as Parkinson’s Disease, are serious and progressive. These can impair the ability to speak, use of the hands, walk, and even maintain balance while standing.

Penn State Hershey Neuroscience Institute's team of experienced medical professionals work with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment. Our Neurologists perform thorough physical and neurological examinations to diagnosis these movement disorders. Once diagnosed, if the medicines have failed, our Neurosurgeons can offer surgical options to improve the symptoms and pain relief. We also have a team of researchers who are working to understand and identify the underlying causes, and are working to develop effective treatments.