Early Detection Key: Addressing Movement Disorders Promptly

Mumbai: Movement is the most fundamental expression of human independence. Yet for millions of people, even simple actions like holding a cup, writing a name, or smiling with ease can become challenging because of movement disorders. On World Movement Disorders Day, Consultant Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist Dr Mansi Shah from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, highlights the need for stronger awareness, timely diagnosis, and compassionate care.

Movement disorders remain among the most misunderstood neurological conditions. They extend far beyond Parkinson’s disease and include essential tremor, dystonia, ataxia, myoclonus, tics, hemifacial spasm, gait disorders, and drug-induced movement abnormalities. Although these conditions affect people across all ages, many spend years without the correct diagnosis. Symptoms are often dismissed, misinterpreted, or attributed to ageing, which delays effective treatment.

Early recognition can change a patient’s journey. Tremor is not always Parkinson’s. Essential tremor, dystonic tremor, drug-induced tremor, and metabolic causes each require different treatments.

In children, involuntary movements such as tics, jerks, or gait changes should never be ignored, as many are highly treatable when caught early. Today’s medical advances have expanded treatment options significantly. Deep Brain Stimulation, Botulinum toxin therapy, tailored medication plans, genetic testing, metabolic evaluation, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation can help restore function and improve quality of life even after years of symptoms.

The impact of movement disorders reaches far beyond physical limitations. These conditions influence identity, confidence, emotional well-being, and social participation.

Many individuals hide their symptoms due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Dr Shah shares that many patients say they wish they had known earlier that their symptoms were treatable, a reminder of how crucial awareness truly is.

Dr Mansi Shah emphasises that awareness bridges the gap between struggle and recovery. She says, “Movement is more than motion. It is freedom, dignity, and expression. No one should lose these because their symptoms were overlooked. With timely recognition and the right care, we can give patients their lives back.”

At Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, patients benefit from comprehensive neurology services that support the full spectrum of movement disorder care. The hospital offers advanced diagnostics, specialist evaluation, and modern therapeutic options under one roof, ensuring timely access to expert guidance.

World Movement Disorders Day serves as a call to notice the subtle signs, seek specialist evaluation, encourage timely referrals, and support individuals with empathy rather than judgment. The message is clear: improvement is possible, and treatment exists.