Movement disorders is the neurology subspecialty for conditions that cause too little movement, such as Parkinson's disease, or too much, such as tremor, dystonia, chorea, tics and myoclonus.
Diagnosis is made mainly by an experienced examiner watching how you move. Most of these conditions are long term, but medication, botulinum toxin and, for some, surgery provide good control of symptoms.
Conditions this service looks after
- Parkinson's disease
- Atypical parkinsonism: MSA, PSP and corticobasal syndrome
- Essential tremor
- Dystonia, including cervical dystonia and writer's cramp
- Huntington's disease and other chorea
- Tics and Tourette syndrome
- Restless legs syndrome
- Ataxia and balance problems
- Drug-induced movement disorders
- Hemifacial spasm
Tests you may be offered
- Specialist examination with video: The most important test; bring videos of intermittent symptoms.
- Levodopa challenge: Measures response to medication, also used when selecting patients for DBS.
- DaT scan: Shows loss of dopamine nerve endings.
- MRI brain: Looks for patterns of atypical parkinsonism and structural causes.
- Blood and genetic tests: Copper studies for Wilson's disease; gene tests for Huntington's disease, inherited dystonia and ataxia.
Treatments available
- Dopaminergic medication: Levodopa, dopamine agonists and MAO-B or COMT inhibitors, adjusted to your daily pattern.
- Botulinum toxin injections: First choice for cervical dystonia, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, repeated about every 3 months.
- Deep brain stimulation: For advanced Parkinson's disease, tremor and dystonia.
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound: For tremor on one side.
- Infusion therapies: Apomorphine or levodopa pumps for advanced Parkinson's disease.
- Physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy: Proven benefit for gait, falls and voice.
When to ask for a specialist opinion
- A new tremor, slowness or change in handwriting
- Parkinson's disease with wearing-off or involuntary movements despite medication
- Falls, poor response to levodopa or early bladder and blood pressure problems
- Neck pulling, eye closure or writing difficulty
- A movement problem beginning under the age of 40
Travelling to Türkiye for this care
Diagnosis, DaT scanning, medication optimisation and assessment for advanced therapies can be done in under a week, and DBS or focused ultrasound are planned procedures. Parkinson's medication needs adjustment over years, and botulinum toxin is repeated quarterly, so both rely on a neurologist near home.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a test that proves Parkinson's disease?
No single test. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by DaT scan when there is doubt and by response to levodopa.
Should I delay levodopa as long as possible?
No. Delaying does not protect you, and it works best when it is needed.
Are stem cells available for Parkinson's disease?
Only in research trials. Commercial stem cell offers are unproven.