Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program

Movement disorders are illnesses that affect movement. If you have a movement disorder, Dartmouth-Hitchcock (D-H) caregivers can help you.

About movement disorders

Normal movement requires a complex system of control. Disruption of this system can cause movements that are too weak, too forceful, or awkward. Unwanted movements may occur at rest. Intentional movement may become impossible. Such conditions are called movement disorders.

Abnormal movements are symptoms of underlying disorders. In some cases, the abnormal movements are the only symptoms. Disorders causing abnormal movements include Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and other disorders. Learn about the conditions we treat.

Our team, treatments and appointments

Experts from Neurology, Neurosurgery, and many other specialties work together in our program. Meet our team of Dartmouth-Hitchcock experts.

Treatments we offer include medical management, deep brain stimulation (DBS), intra-intestinal pump for continuous infusion of medication (Duopa®) and botulinum toxin (Botox®) injection. Learn about your initial evaluation with our team, and all our tests and treatments.

For appointments with a clinician, please see More Appointment Information. Support services, including education and support groups, are available through our department. Contact the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Resource Center for help.

Research and clinical trials

Movement disorders team members oversee clinical research trials. These trials aim to discover new treatments for and insights into movement disorders. Supporters of our research include:

• Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health: Parkinson's Research Fund 
• Hitchcock Foundation 
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• National Institutes of Health 
• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Parkinson Study Group
• Pharmaceutical companies

Visit our Clinical Trials page for information about participating.

Huntington's Disease Clinic and HDSA Center of Excellence

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is New Hampshire's only Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Center of Excellence. It is one of only four such Centers in New England.

DHMC is one of 43 HDSA Centers of Excellence in the U.S. providing care for families affected by Huntington's disease.

Our monthly Huntington's disease clinic offers:

• Meetings with a neurologist specializing in movement disorders
• Consultation with a genetic counselor
• The services and guidance of a social worker
• Community resources selected by the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Resource Center
• A support group for education, guidance and camaraderie
• Clinical research studies