Movement Disorders Clinic

We focus on the child, not the disorder.

The Movement Disorders Clinic at Children’s Hospital’s Brain Care Institute is a unique service providing diagnosis, education, and treatment for children with movement disorders, sometimes called motor disorders.

Our multifaceted approach to the care of our patients takes into consideration other common issues associated with movement disorders, such as:

• Learning disabilities
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Behavioral concerns

Close affiliations with behavioral health experts through UPMC Children's Child Development Unit and UPMC Western Wellness Program offer further comprehensive care and treatment options.

Movement Disorder Types in Children

The types the movement disorders we treat at the clinic include:

• Tics
• Dystonia, which is characterized by writhing or twisting movements as a result of muscle contraction
• Chorea, or rapid, jerky, sudden movements of the limbs or face
• Tremor
• Spasticity, or increased muscle tone or stiffness that results in uncontrolled, awkward movements
• Ataxia, or the inability to control muscle movement
• Myoclonus, a sudden shock like twitching of muscles without a rhythm or pattern
• Hyperekplexia means "exaggerated surprise" and is characterized by pronounced startle expressions
• Paroxysmal dyskinesias/dystonias
• Stereotypies are repetitive movements, postures, or utterances
• Huntington disease, and other hereditary chorea

Contact the Movement Disorders Clinic

Schedule an appointment or consultation with us at 412-692-5520.