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).