Specialty Care Areas

Ataxia

People with ataxia have problems with balance, coordination, gait, fine motor skills and slurred speech.

ataxia
treatments for ataxia

Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions and spasms.

dystonia
treatments for dystonia

Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that leads to rhythmic shaking in the hands, legs, voice, trunk or head.

essential tremor
treatments for essential tremor

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a hereditary degenerative disorder of the central nervous system leading to motor, cognitive, and behavioral problems.

huntington's disease
treatments for huntington's disease

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects nerve cells, or neurons, in the part of the brain that controls movement.

parkinson's disease
treatments for parkinson's disease

Tic Disorders

Tic Disorders are brief, rapid movements and sounds that are usually repetitive and involuntary that can affect any part of the body.

tic disorders
treatments for tic disorders

Wilson Disease

Wilson disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes excessive copper accumulation in the liver or brain.

wilson disease
treatments for wilson disease

Movement Disorders Surgery Program

Our surgical program utilizes the most advanced surgical planning and brain mapping technology to minimize operative time and maximize patient outcomes.

neuromodulation and functional neurosurgery program

Botulinum Toxin

Our movement disorders neurologists provide skilled injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of a variety of neurological conditions that involve abnormal postures or movements.

botulinum toxin

Palliative Care

Palliative care addresses a number of challenges associated with movement disorders, including pain, constipation, weakness, fatigue, depression and cognitive difficulties, and offers a support system to help you live as actively as possible, even with progressive and advanced disease.

palliative care

Rehabilitative Services Parkinson's Clinic

A Northwestern Medicine movement disorders rehabilitation specialist working with a female patient on stretching.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders may experience difficulties with movement and communication, limiting their ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in their favorite activities. In collaboration with an experienced neurologist, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes can make living with Parkinson's disease easier.

Services we offer include:

  • Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist certified in LSVT BIG can reduce the pain, tightness and weakness associated with PD, and improve balance and posture, coordination, standing and walking, and strength and flexibility.
  • Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy with a therapist certified in LSVT BIG can help individuals with PD perform everyday activities with greater ease and satisfaction, including handwriting, self-care, household chores, and leisure activities.
  • Speech Therapy: Our therapists are certified in LSVT LOUD programs, designed to address speech difficulties that can interfere with communicating with family and friends. This therapy can improve voice volume, memory, swallowing, and speech precision.
  • Functional fitness: Our unique fitness classes are led by experienced instructors and aimed at maximizing functional abilities required for an active, independent lifestyle. Classes include: Pedal for Parkinson’s (stationary bike) and Dance for Parkinson’s.
  • Other services: Yoga and massage, nutrition services, and Parkinson’s support group for patients and family.

To schedule a therapy appointment call 847.535.8000. 

Education & Support

Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center offers a range of Parkinson's programming. The medical fitness programs are designed for adults with Parkinson's disease who wish to participate in low to moderate intensity exercise. The support group welcomes both patients and caregivers.

All classes are FREE, even for caregivers.

Find classes and registration information:

Treatments

Why Choose Northwestern Medicine

Comprehensive neurological evaluations

Our experienced neurologists will perform an extensive review of each patient’s symptoms and medical history, and provide a thorough physical and neurological exam. When necessary, we also use specialized tests and imaging procedures to ensure a more accurate diagnosis.

A physician examining a patient's brain scan.

Rehabilitation, wellness and support

With the guidance of our highly trained physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation can ease PD symptoms and improve mobility, so individuals can maintain their independence and continue to work, communicate and enjoy life. We also offer unique fitness classes and support services for individuals with PD, their family members and caregivers.

Clinical trials and advanced treatments

Through our relationship with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, our patients have access to clinical trials and advanced treatments, including deep brain stimulation, at the Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, a designated National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence.