Most people have heard of Parkinson’s disease, but many don’t know that it’s classified as a movement disorder. Movement disorders are neurological conditions characterized by either abnormal increased movements or reduced or slow movements. These movements can be either voluntary or involuntary. In addition to Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and muscular dystrophy, are classified as movement disorders. Additionally, there are other conditions that are on the movement spectrum that include tremors, chorea, athetosis, and dystonias. People who believe they may be affected by a movement disorder or condition often turn to diagnostic imaging services in Suffolk County, NY.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of imaging procedures, such as MRIs, to identify movement disorders for proper treatment.
Why Is Imaging So Helpful?
There are two kinds of diagnostic imaging in Suffolk County, NY, that are particularly beneficial. They are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most beneficial aspect of these imaging services is that they’re able to separate serious conditions from movement disorders. Consider a person who is walking with an abnormal gait. The condition came on suddenly and there are no other symptoms. The patient is referred by their physician to a diagnostic and imaging center and has an MRI done. The results show that the patient has fluid on the brain and the problem isn’t an actual movement disorder. Instead, it’s a serious brain condition that needs invasive treatment right away. MRI and CT scans allow doctors to make the right diagnosis early on. This allows the patient to get the correct treatment as quickly as possible.
The Effects of Misdiagnosis
When physicians don’t have access to proper medical tests and procedures, this puts patient care at risk. It means that more people are misdiagnosed and treated for conditions they don’t have. If you’re suffering from a serious neurogenerative disorder, you don’t have time for misdiagnosis. Even if the problem is a less serious movement issue, it’s important to get the right diagnosis so you can make adjustments you need in your life to achieve the quality of life you might be missing.
Luckily, there are numerous diagnostic imaging centers in Suffolk County, NY, that have advanced equipment to make accurate diagnosis. If you’re having mobility issues, speak with your physician and let them know your symptoms. They will order the best imaging tests necessary to figure out what’s going on with your mobility.
Treating Mobility Issues
All movement disorders are treated differently based on the disorder and on the patient’s current issues. Not everyone is affected the same way by mobility issues. Some movement disorders are treated with a combination of medication and adaptive devices, while others are treated with physical therapy or a combination of all three things. Before treatment can begin, though, you need to have imaging tests to get to the root of the problem.
Contact Peconic Bay Medical Center, a diagnostic imaging center in Suffolk County, NY, located at our Grossman Imaging Center, to learn more about movement disorders.