Movement Disorders

At Rhode Island Integrated Medicine, Dr. Pedro and his team use PEDROCIT®, a highly individualized methodology of non-invasive, external brain stimulation, to treat many movement disorders including ataxia, chorea, dystonia, tics, tremors, Tourette’s syndrome, and Restless Leg syndrome. We have many years of experience in the treatment of dystonia.

The most common form of dystonia involves twisting and repetitive movements that affect the neck, torso, limbs, eyes and face, vocal cords, or combinations of areas. Dystonia can also be characterized as it relates to the activity or factors that trigger symptoms. For example, the activity of writing and playing certain musical instruments may trigger “writer’s cramp” or “musician’s cramp.”

CAUSES OF DYSTONIA

Although the causes of dystonia include a familial history of the disorder and various environmental factors and insults that affect the brain, it appears probable that dystonia and other movement disorders are caused by overactivity in the brain. Dystonic spasms usually increase during periods of emotional stress or fatigue and recede during sleep or periods of rest although rest can also trigger symptoms. Patients may temporarily suppress symptoms by activating certain sensory tricks. For example, touching or applying pressure to an affected area may provide temporary relief. This strategy of using sensory tricks to suppress symptoms is relatively unique to dystonia and plays a role in its diagnosis.

Patients Willing to Share Their Stories

Here are some words from patients or relatives of patients who underwent PEDROCIT for movement disorders.