Movement Disorders

As movement disorders are often complex and mimic other conditions, your healthcare team will likely perform multiple tests to make a diagnosis. They’ll first start with a detailed history, physical exam and a neurological exam.

Based on your symptoms, they may order any of these tests:

Blood tests to help diagnose certain kinds of movement disorders or rule out other causes.
Electromyography (EMG) to assess the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) to check the electrical activity of your brain.
Lumbar puncture to analyze your cerebrospinal fluid.
Muscle biopsy to distinguish between nerve and muscle conditions.
Nerve conduction study to measure the flow of electrical current through a nerve before it reaches a muscle.

Providers also often use imaging tests to help diagnose movement disorders. They may look at your brain, spinal cord or nerves. These tests may include:

Computed tomography (CT).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.