patient and nurse performing movement test

Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders

Neurosciences Center

Muscle spasms, tremors and/or impaired motor control can get in the way of enjoying your life. They can also be a symptom of something more serious.

A range of neurological disorders can cause symptoms of involuntary movement like tremors, shaking, walking problems and impaired motor control. No matter the size of your challenge, we will treat your movement disorder. 

Movement Disorders We Treat

Treating Movement Disorders at UVA

Watch UVA's neurologists and neurosurgeons talk about how they treat Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. View movement disorders transcript.

Reducing Abnormal Movement

Selective targeting with chemodenervation (botulinum toxin injections) can improve some dystonias, including hemifacial spasm.

Botox injections blocks signals from nerves to the muscles. In disorders such as dystonia, hemifacial spasm or tremor, there are abnormal signals that cause muscles to function incorrectly. By blocking these abnormal signals and weakening the active muscle, we can reduce the degree of abnormal movement or spasm in the affected part of the body.

At UVA, we have extensive experience in evaluating and treating patients who may benefit from this treatment.

Deep Brain Stimulation & Other Interventions

There’s no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, deep brain stimulation can lessen symptoms and can be effective for essential tremor

Our comprehensive treatment approach includes:

  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Non-pharmacologic therapy
  • Chemodenervation

Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson's & Tremor

In 2011, we conducted the first-ever clinical trial using focused ultrasound surgery to treat essential tremor. Now, focused ultrasound is FDA-approved to treat both essential tremor and Parkinson's

Read the latest about focused ultrasound, and find out if it will work for you.

How Much Will Treatment Cost?

Get a general idea of what you'll have to pay: Use calculators, see price lists, or ask for a personalized estimate.

Researching New Treatments

UVA Health is recognized s a Center for Advanced Research by the American Parkinson’s Disease. Association (APDA).