Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Care in Inwood, NY
Movement disorders change how the body moves. They can cause shaking, stiffness, slowness, or movements you cannot control. Parkinson's disease is one of them, and there are many others, so getting the right diagnosis matters.
Conditions we evaluate
Each of these looks different and is managed differently:
- Parkinson's disease: a tremor at rest, slowness, stiffness, smaller handwriting, a softer voice, or shuffling steps
- Essential tremor: shaking of the hands, head or voice, often most noticeable when you write, eat or hold a cup
- Dystonia: muscles that tighten on their own and cause twisting, pulling or unusual postures
- Chorea: brief, irregular movements that seem to flow from one part of the body to another
- Myoclonus: sudden, quick jerks of a muscle or group of muscles
- Tardive dyskinesia: repeated movements, often of the mouth, face or tongue, that can follow long-term use of certain medicines
- Restless legs syndrome: an urge to move the legs, often with an uncomfortable feeling, that is worse in the evening and at rest
- Conditions that can look like Parkinson's disease, such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy
How we find the cause
Most movement disorders are diagnosed with a careful history and a hands-on exam. There is no single test that confirms Parkinson's disease, so the exam matters most. We watch how you walk, write, speak and use your hands, and we ask about your medicines, family history and sleep. A short phone video of movements that come and go can help.
Some people need testing to rule out other causes. See our Tests We Do page for details.
- Open MRI: brain imaging through Village Open MRI, a division of our practice, to check for other causes such as stroke.
- EMG/NCV: a nerve and muscle test, used when numbness or nerve problems may be adding to your symptoms.
- Sleep study: when restless legs or unusual movements during sleep need a closer look, at our Woodmere Sleep Center.
Your care plan
Your plan depends on the diagnosis and on what bothers you most. It may include medicine, ways to stay active and steady on your feet, and help with sleep. Many of these conditions change over time, so regular follow-up lets us adjust as your needs change.
If you think a medicine is causing new movements, do not stop it on your own. Talk with the doctor who prescribed it, and we can work together on next steps.
We also see patients who want a second opinion. Five Towns Neuroscience Research, a division of our practice, runs clinical trials. Ask whether a study might fit you.
When to see a neurologist
Book a visit if:
- You have a tremor that is new or getting worse
- Your movements have become slower or stiffer, or your walking has changed
- You have had falls or near falls
- You have movements you cannot control, or muscles that pull or twist
- You notice new mouth or face movements while taking a long-term medicine
- Leg discomfort and an urge to move keep you from sleeping
Insurance
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please see the plans we take, or call us to confirm your coverage.
Other conditions we treat
Visit Five Towns Neurology
Our office is at 233 Doughty Blvd, Inwood, NY 11096, on the South Shore of Long Island. Call (516) 239-1800. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. We are closed on Saturday.
Allow at least 3 hours for your first visit. It includes a full history and physical exam, and testing is usually done the same day when possible. Bring your medications, past test results and MRIs, your insurance card, and a referral if your plan needs one. Read about your first visit or contact us to book.