Treatment options for movement disorders vary greatly. In some cases, the disorder may require no treatment because it is either mild or may pass naturally with time. Most movement disorders cannot be cured with treatment, but the symptoms may be managed.

Treatment for movement disorders is usually individualized. There are many medications available to treat movement disorders. Most are only available with a physician’s prescription and should be taken exactly as directed. Some medications that may be prescribed include:

• Seizure medications
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Dopamine depletors or dopamine stimulators
• Beta blockers
• Tranquilizers
• Botulinum toxin

Medications are usually the first step in treating movement disorders. In some cases, patients may not respond to the prescribed medications or may not be able to take them due to intolerable side effects. If this occurs, there are other treatment options. They include:

• Implantable devices. Deep brain stimulation is a process that requires the implantation of a battery powered neurostimulator. It delivers an electric charge to areas of the brain that control movement and can temporarily correct disorders. In addition, a spinal pump may be inserted near the spinal cord. It delivers muscle relaxants that help control spasticity.
  
  
• Ablation surgery. Ablation is the surgical removal of parts of the brain and may reduce uncontrollable movements. Pallidotomy removes part of the globus pallidus, to treat Parkinson’s disease. Thalamotomy is removal of part of the thalamus and may be required to reduce tremors.
  
  
• Physical therapy. A mixture of exercises, massage and other treatments to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. A physical therapist is likely to teach the patient exercises that he or she can do at home to strengthen and retrain muscles, which may help control symptoms of the movement disorder. Physical therapy may also include training with canes, walkers, wheelchairs or other assistive devices to improve mobility.
  
  
• Occupational therapy. Similar to physical therapy but focuses on improving the patient’s fine motor skills. It aims at improving the patient’s ability to accomplish daily activities like dressing and personal hygiene.
  
  
• Speech therapy. Therapy to train or retrain the patient’s speech skills. In addition, the patient may be taught to use voice amplifiers or similar devices.

Though there are treatments for many types of movement disorders, there remains some that have shown no response to a variety of treatment methods.

In most cases, the development of a movement disorder cannot be prevented. However, patients may be able to act to reduce the severity and frequency of symptom occurrence. This may be accomplished by consuming a healthy diet and reducing the intake of alcohol and stimulants (e.g., caffeine). Behaviors recommended for healthy living (e.g., reducing stress, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep) may also help reduce symptom occurrence.