Movement disorders

Clinically reviewed by: Dr Ed Jabbari

Consultant neurologist, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery​​​​​​

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the speed, quality or control of movement. These can include: 

• Slowness or stiffness 

• Tremor (shaking) 

• Involuntary movements (tics, jerks, spasms) 

• Walking, gait and balance difficulties 

These symptoms may be caused by common conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or dystonia (muscle spasms), but can also be a sign of rarer conditions requiring specialist support. 

At The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, we are uniquely positioned to assess and treat both common and highly complex movement disorder cases due to the depth of expertise within our specialist movement disorders team. 

Whether you have new symptoms or have already reached out to a healthcare professional previously and have had difficulty obtaining a diagnosis, or your symptoms are not responding to treatment, or you would like a second opinion, we have experts available to help you.  

Our aim is to provide the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, tailored specifically to you. 

Why choose The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery for movement disorders? 

Specialist expertise 

All staff at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, including consultants, nurses, and allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists), are specialists in caring for patients with neurological problems. 

Within that team, we also have consultants and nursing staff who have very specialist expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders, including expertise in:

• Parkinson’s disease 

• Atypical Parkinsonism (Parkinson’s-plus syndromes) 

• Complex genetic movement disorders 

• Tremor disorders 

• Early- and young-onset movement disorders 

• Dystonia  

Specialists in rare and complex disorders 

As a centre of expertise for neurological conditions in the UK, we have unparalleled experience in the diagnosis and management of movement disorders. This includes conditions that can be frequently misdiagnosed due to the challenging nature of making an accurate diagnosis.

Members of our team are actively involved in research into movement disorders through our links with University College London and lead trials including novel trials for Parkinson's disease.

Many of our consultants have trained and undertaken their research here at The National Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery; the UK’s leading centre of neurological excellence.

Comprehensive diagnostics 

Unlike other areas of neurology, there are no objective diagnostic tests for most movement disorders, so diagnosis relies on expert clinical assessment. 

However, depending on your symptoms, you may still undergo some diagnostic tests such as

• DAT scan (to assess dopamine levels) 

• MRI scanning (to exclude other causes) 

The results will be reviewed alongside face-to-face consultations and assessments by our expert neurologists in order to rule in or rule out potential conditions. These can all be offered on-site and will be delivered by staff with expertise in movement disorder conditions. 

Advanced therapies  

Alongside standard treatment options for movement disorders, our team can offer some advanced treatments that few centres can provide, including: 

• Botox therapy for dystonia 

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (where appropriate) 

A multidisciplinary team approach to movement disorders 

Movement disorders often affect many aspects of daily life. Our service brings together: 

• Expert consultants 

• Clinical nurse specialists 

• Neurophysiotherapists 

• Speech and language therapists 

• Occupational therapists 

• Neuropsychologists 

This integrated approach means that every aspect of your wellbeing is supported throughout your treatment with us. 

Continuity of your care 

We can offer you continuity of care at UCLH Private Healthcare throughout your health journey. Whether you choose to come to us for just your diagnosis or for long-term support, we can find you the right person to support you. 

Your consultant will be able to remain a constant connection as your condition changes or develops, ensuring that you have the most up-to-date and appropriate treatment options for your condition. Alongside this, our team of specialist therapists can offer as much or as little therapy support as you need to help you manage your symptoms. 

Get in touch 

If movement difficulties are affecting your life, we are here to help. 

Contact us to arrange a consultation with a movement disorder specialist.