Print DiagnosisTo diagnose a movement disorder, your healthcare professional begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms. Your healthcare professional also takes your medical history. You may need tests that can help diagnose a movement disorder or find another cause of your symptoms. Tests may include: Blood tests. Your blood may be tested for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid function and other conditions. Genetic tests. Your healthcare professional may recommend that you're tested for certain genetic conditions that may lead to movement disorders. Imaging tests. These may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Some people may need a test that measures the electrical activity within muscles, known as electromyography (EMG). Your healthcare professional also might order a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan, which can help diagnose parkinsonism. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your movement disorders-related health concerns Start Here TreatmentTreatment for movement disorders may include medicines to manage symptoms. Sometimes a combination of medicines may be needed. Botox injections also can treat some movement disorders, such as dystonia and essential tremor. If there's a medical condition that's causing the movement disorder, treating the condition can help relieve symptoms. Physical, occupational and speech therapy also can help people with movement disorders. People who have serious symptoms may need surgery. Sometimes deep brain stimulation may be an option to treat movement disorders such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease. Request an appointment Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. By Mayo Clinic Staff Movement disorders care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments May 30, 2024 Print Show references Winn HR, ed. Clinical overview of movement disorders. In: Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 18, 2024. Overview of movement and cerebellar disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/movement-and-cerebellar-disorders/overview-of-movement-and-cerebellar-disorders?query=movement%20disorder#. Accessed March 18, 2024. Movement disorders. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. http://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Movement-Disorders. Accessed March 18, 2024. Jankovic J, et al., eds. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 18, 2024. Miyasaki JM. Functional movement disorders. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 18, 2024. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Jan. 3, 2024. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 18, 2024. Parkinson disease. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/movement-and-cerebellar-disorders/parkinson-disease#. Accessed March 18, 2024. Multiple system atrophy. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-system-atrophy#. Accessed March 19, 2024. Bower JH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. March 25, 2024. Related News from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Minute: Testing gait to help in early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease June 04, 2024, 02:58 p.m. CDT Mayo neuroscientists discover unknown brain area involved in movement May 24, 2023, 03:00 p.m. CDT Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Movement disordersSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20339789 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Movement disorders