Movement Disorders
The Movement Disorders Clinic at UM St. Joseph, led by Lynn Chouhfeh, MD, provides guidance and support for patients who are living with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders including:
- Atypical parkinsonism
- Dystonia
- Ataxia
- Tics and chorea
- Cognitive impairment disorders like dementia
Symptoms
As symptoms progress patients often experience difficulty walking, or carrying out day-to-day tasks such as dressing or bathing, these are called motor symptoms. Cognitive abilities and the skill to communicate effectively can also be impacted as can swallowing. These are known as non-motor symptoms.
Treatment
To treat these issues our expert staff works with patients to identify recovery goals that maximize independence and optimize their quality of life. Our team is comprised of a neurologist and physical, occupational, and speech therapists to collaborate, develop and apply interdisciplinary plans of care for each individual patients. Additionally, our rehabilitation team has undergone allied team training through the Parkinson's Foundation.
There are a few research-based approaches that have had tended to help the vast majority of our patients:
- LSVT BIG encourages patients to increase the size and pace of their movements; think bigger steps, quicker steps and transitions, and more use of the body during movement
- LSVT LOUD promotes the use of vocal cords in a more dominating manner; it encourages patients to speak more clearly, louder, and with confidence, to improve communication
Visiting the Movement Disorders Clinic
The Movement Disorders Clinic is located on the third floor of the Cancer Institute within the UM St. Joseph Rehabilitation Institute. Download the UM St. Joseph Medical Center campus map.