Movement disorders: why don't those synapses fire?

Abstract

From mobility to disability; this is the plight of the patient with a movement disorder. Alterations in motor functioning may include gait, balance, coordination and tone as well as voluntary and involuntary movements. These changes need to be observed, assessed and monitored, then correlated with the neuropathology and neurochemistry. The nurse, by doing this, provides the physician with the crucial information for successful medical management. This presentation will identify the pathology and required nursing assessment for the more prevalent movement disorders and provide an overview of pharmaceutical management.