Movement Disorders

Clinical case studies have long been recognized as a useful adjunct to problem-based learning and continuing professional development. This book collects over 90 of the most memorable and challenging movement disorder cases from the world’s leading authorities in this specialty. It presents case vignettes covering the entire phenomenology of movement disorders and walks the reader through the diagnostic process - much like being in the examining room with a master clinician. The movement disorders discussed in the book include: Parkinson’s Disease, tremors, chorea, dystonia, ataxia, tics, stereotypies, myoclonus syndrome, startle syndrome, and psychogenic movement disorder. Each case follows a set format consisting of four sections: The Case; The Approach; The Lesson; Reference and Suggested Readings. Imaging findings and other illustrations amplify the discussion where pertinent. The book is designed to help hone diagnostic skills and inform treatment decisions for the full spectrum of movement disorders. The lessons learned need not be all scientific, such as describing the first case on a new genetic disorder. More often, the lessons are that about human frailty, medical intuition, a caregiver’s strength, a doctor’s uncertainty, or a patient’s determination and will to survive. The book and its collection of cases, is as much about the art and the compassion, as it is about the science of our profession. Each case will invoke a lesson on persistence or practicality, thoroughness or focused observation, objectivity or intuition, and professionalism or empathy.