Movement Disorders Program
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Neurology Referrals
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At CHOC, we know caring for a child with a complex movement disorder can feel overwhelming. Our pediatric neurologists and nurse practitioners are trained in treating children with movement disorders and dedicated to optimizing the potential of the kids and adolescents we treat. We partner with your child and family to identify your unique goals of care and deliver individualized treatment to meet your needs.
CHOC is home to one of the nation’s largest pediatric movement disorder groups, with two physicians and two nurse practitioners. With our team of experts and innovative research, CHOC is one of the top hospitals in the nation for treatment of secondary dystonia, including the use of advanced techniques for deep brain stimulation (DBS).
What We Treat
- Ataxia
- Chorea
- Dystonia
- Spasticity
- Tremors
- Tics
- Tourette syndrome
- Myoclonus
- Bradykinesia
- Parkinsonism
- Hypotonia
- Hypertonia
- Muscle spasms
- Cerebral palsy
- Gait and balance disorders
- Dyspraxia/apraxia
- Dyskinesia
- Rigidity
- Tardive dyskinesia, tardive dystonia
Clinical Trials at CHOC
At CHOC, we participate in clinical trials to provide breakthrough treatments for patients who haven’t responded to traditional condition management. Dr. Allison Przekop is currently conducting pharmaceutical clinical trials for treatment of dyskinesia in cerebral palsy in children. Cerebral palsy often has movement disorder symptoms. Read more about the clinical trial.
Movement Disorder Research at CHOC
Dr. Terry Sanger is a renowned physician and research scientist specializing in movement disorders. He runs a pediatric movement disorder lab, in conjunction with UCI, dedicated to identifying new treatments and devices that improve motor function in children suffering from movement disorders. Explore more of Dr. Sanger’s work.
Meet the CHOC Movement Disorder Team
The CHOC Movement Disorder Team includes the providers below, as well as Amanda Kammer, RN, and Cindy Malvaez, medical assistant and financial counselor.
Movement Disorder Stories
Heart / Cardiology
Making great progress, strides after deep brain stimulation procedure
A deep brain stimulation surgery at CHOC has given 9-year-old Ryder and his family an improved quality of life.
CHOC Health
Neurology
Wired for hope
In a first for CHOC, a multidisciplinary team performs deep brain stimulation on 16-year-old to treat her debilitating movement disorder.
CHOC Health
Deep Brain Stimulation
Three-stage DBS results in better outcomes for secondary dystonia
A CHOC neuroscientist has developed a breakthrough method of DBS to treat secondary dystonia in pediatric patients.
CHOC Pediatrica