Movement disorders can be caused by diminished or slowed voluntary movements (hypokinetic) or increased involuntary movements (hyperkinetic).Parkinson’s disease is the most common of these hypokinetic degenerative disorders, but we also treat progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and corticobasal ganglionic degeneration. Our expertise in hyperkinetic disorders includes Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, essential tremor, and dystonia. We diagnose and treat all movement disorders, whether they are caused by primary nervous system dysfunction or by strokes or medications. Our team has expertise in tremor disorders, primary and secondary ataxias, gait disorders, restless legs syndrome, and stiff-person syndrome.

So many of us understand the challenges of caring for a loved one who has a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or frontotemporal dementia. At our Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center, our team of experts meets with the patient, family members, or caregivers to determine how medical, psychological, cognitive, or social problems are impeding function or threatening independent living. After assessment, our physicians focus on minimizing the progressive loss of neuron function and repairing neural damage, helping people with these conditions live with as much peace and stability as possible.

The Pediatric Movement Disorders Program was established to evaluate and treat children with dystonia, chorea, myoclonus, tremor, motor tics, stereotypies, and other paroxysmal disorders of movement. Dr. Nigel Bamford works closely with the Yale Child Study Center , the Yale Comprehensive Movement Disorders Program , and the Department of Neurosurgery to enhance clinical evaluation and available treatments. The clinic is located at Yale New Haven Hospital.