COMPREHENSIVE MOVEMENT DISORDER CENTER
The most advanced, innovative treatment for movement disorders.
WHAT WE DO
At the RNI Comprehensive Movement Disorder Center, patients with movement disorders receive treatment aimed at improving quality of life. Our neurosurgeons work together with experts from all related fields including neurology, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, physical and occupational therapy, and otolaryngology to help patients regain optimal motor control of their bodies.
WVU neurologists perform the initial assessment of patients who present with difficulties related to muscle movement, and in some cases, may be the only specialists that patients need to see. When surgical intervention is indicated, patients are referred to the RNI’s staff of skilled neurosurgeons, who work closely with our neurologists to develop appropriate treatment plans.
Most patients can find significant relief with modern treatments, including medications, surgery, injections, physical therapy, and implantable devices.
ABOUT OUR CLINIC
More than 30 different diseases, affecting almost 40 million Americans, are identified as neurological movement disorders. Movement disorders originate deep in the brain, affecting both children and adults. Symptoms vary widely, making diagnosis sometimes difficult. Causes are often unknown but may include genetic and environmental factors, injury to the brain such as stroke, the side effects of medications, and others.
These disorders, which include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, myokymia, and restless leg syndrome, range from mild to severe, are usually chronic, sometimes progressive, and seldom curable.
Although many movement disorders are not life-threatening, they can significantly impair patients’ ability to function well and independently. Depression and other mental problems are often associated with movement disorders.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Movement disorders we treat include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor (ET)
- Ataxia
- Huntington’s disease
- Cerebellar disorders
- Dystonia
Our clinic offers a range of some of the most innovative approaches available, including:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Injections
- Medications
- MR-Guided focused ultrasound
- Rehabilitation
- Speech therapy
TIM’S STORY
Tim Casey was the 100th patient to be treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for essential tremor at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. See how Tim’s tremor was stopped almost instantly through this amazing incisionless procedure.
PERSONALIZED CARE
The WVU Medicine Comprehensive Movement Disorders Clinic’s multidisciplinary team provides world-class, personalized treatment that is tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR ESSENTIAL TREMOR
WVU Medicine is the only site in West Virginia, and one of only a few sites in the United States, utilizing MR-guided focused ultrasound – an FDA-approved treatment for essential tremor (ET) and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s.
- MR-guided focused ultrasound uses non-audible sound waves to treat symptoms with no incisions, brain implants, or radiation.
- The ultrasound waves are focused through the skull to create a small ablation, or burn, which reduces the tremor.
- During treatment, a small lesion will be made in the thalamus – the part of the brain that controls your tremor.
- The physician uses MRI images to view and assess the treatment area.
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS)
DBS can help ease symptoms of movement disorders and decrease the amount of medicine needed for treatment.
The procedure is performed with a small incision to implant electrodes in certain areas of the brain to control abnormal impulses that cause the disorder’s symptoms.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE SPEECH CLINIC
RNI’s integrated neurological and speech disorder clinic provides comprehensive care to Parkinson’s Disease patients, addressing and preventing complications associated with speech and swallowing problems.
While the majority of patients with Parkinson’s Disease experience speech and swallowing difficulties along the course of their disease, these problems tend to be underrecognized and undertreated. Prevention of speech worsening is needed in the early stages and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. Swallowing problems may lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Ninety percent of PD patients will develop speech problems affecting:
- Daily communication with family and friends
- Speaking over the phone
- Professional interactions
Call 304-598-4809 for a Parkinson’s Disease Speech Clinic appointment.
The RNI Parkinson’s Disease Speech Clinic is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
CLINIC INFORMATION
General information
We are located in the WVU Rockefeller Innovation Center (Adjacent to the WVU Cancer Institute) in Morgantown, West Virginia.
33 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Please call (304) 598-6127 with any questions or concerns.
Referrals and appointment requests
If you need to refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please call 855-WVU-CARE or send an email to RockefellerNeuroscienceInstApptRequest@wvumedicine.org.
Consultations
If you are a healthcare provider and would like to consult with one of our movement disorder experts, please call (304) 598-4809 to speak with our referral specialist. You may also call our Medical Access Referral System (MARS) at (800) 982-6277.
Our team consists of experts in:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
- Neuropsychology
- Neuroradiology
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Otolaryngology