What is a study of tremor and other movement disorders?
The study of tremor and other movement disorders is a clinical procedure that evaluates motor alterations, such as tremors, dystonias, choreas, tics, and muscle rigidity. This analysis allows for the identification of the underlying cause of the symptoms and the design of personalized therapeutic strategies to improve the patient’s quality of life.
What is this test for?
The study is mainly used for:
Diagnosis of neurological diseases: It is used to identify disorders such as Parkinson’s, essential tremor, dystonias, choreas, restless legs syndrome, among others.
Evaluation of secondary disorders: It helps to determine if the symptoms are caused by medications, brain injuries, or metabolic conditions.
Therapeutic planning: It is used to design specific treatments, including pharmacological, surgical, or rehabilitation.
Clinical monitoring: It is used to evaluate the progression of the disease and the response to treatments.
Benefits of high technology in central motor conduction with TMS
The procedure combines clinical interviews with specific tests of neurophysiology, medical imaging, and functional evaluation. These tests allow for the analysis of brain activity, nerve conduction, and the patient’s motor patterns.
What is the procedure like?
The procedure for studying tremor and other movement disorders involves:
Preparation:
Before the procedure, the doctor will conduct a detailed interview to learn about your medical history, family history, and current symptoms. If you have previous studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, or CT scans, they will be analyzed to complement the evaluation. It is also important that you wear comfortable clothing without metal elements to avoid interference during the exam.
During the test:
During the test, the specialist will evaluate your movements and perform physical tests to analyze your coordination, muscle strength, and reflexes. Depending on your case, complementary studies may be performed, such as an electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of the muscles, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect structural abnormalities in the brain, or functional neuroimaging studies, such as PET or SPECT, to evaluate brain activity.
If a hereditary cause is suspected, genetic tests may also be requested. In some cases, specialized devices are used to record and analyze movement patterns. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the necessary tests, but it generally lasts between 1 and 3 hours.
After the test:
You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure, unless your doctor indicates otherwise. The results will be analyzed by a multidisciplinary team and sent to your doctor, who will explain the findings and the next steps.
Recommendations for the test
Prior rest: It is recommended that you arrive well-rested to ensure the best performance during the tests.
Inform about medications: Notify your doctor if you are taking any medication that may affect your movements or your neurological state.
Companion: In some cases, it may be useful to come with a family member who can provide additional information about your behavior.
Are there any risks?
The study of tremor and other movement disorders is a safe and non-invasive procedure. However, some specific tests may cause mild discomfort:
Claustrophobia: In the case of a magnetic resonance imaging, some people may feel anxiety from being inside the scanner.
Muscle discomfort: If an electromyography is performed, you might experience temporary discomfort at the electrode insertion site.
Fatigue: Some tests can be demanding, which could cause fatigue due to their duration.
To ensure your test goes smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the test, we will give you the Informed Consent, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metal objects, prostheses (including dental ones), tattoos, or medication infusion devices, such as insulin pumps.
These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is a minimal possibility of an incident.
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