Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorders
Changes in movement — a tremor, stiffness, or slowing down — can be worrying, whether they're happening to you or to someone you love. The neurology team at Saint Joseph Health System diagnoses and manages Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders for patients across Mishawaka and South Bend, with a focus on keeping you active and independent.
Schedule an appointment or call 574-335-6450.
Neuromuscular Conditions Rehabilitation and Wellness
Early signs of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's symptoms usually begin gradually and often start on one side of the body. Early signs can include a tremor in a hand or finger at rest, muscle stiffness, slower movement, smaller handwriting (called micrographia), a reduced arm swing when walking, a softer voice, or changes in balance. Because these signs can be subtle and come on slowly, they're easy to dismiss — but noticing them early gives you more time to plan and to start supportive care.
Conditions we treat
Our neurologists care for a range of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and other conditions that affect movement, coordination, and balance. A tremor by itself does not mean Parkinson's — essential tremor is a separate, common condition that usually appears with movement rather than at rest.
Dystonia, essential tremor, and other movement disorders
Beyond Parkinson's, we evaluate and manage several related conditions. Essential tremor causes rhythmic shaking — often in the hands, head, or voice — that tends to show up during activity, such as writing or holding a cup. Dystonia causes muscles to contract on their own, leading to twisting movements or unusual postures; a common form is cervical dystonia, which affects the neck muscles and can make the head turn or tilt. These conditions can affect everyday tasks and quality of life, and many respond well to treatment, so an accurate diagnosis is worthwhile.
How we diagnose and manage it
There is no single blood test for Parkinson's. Diagnosis is based on a careful history and a hands-on neurological exam that assesses movement, tone, reflexes, and balance, sometimes with imaging to rule out conditions that can look similar. While Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, its symptoms can often be managed well for years with medications to improve movement, physical and occupational therapy to support strength and balance, and lifestyle strategies. For select patients, your neurologist can coordinate referral for advanced therapies such as deep brain stimulation. We partner with our rehabilitation team to help you stay as active and independent as possible. Existing patients can message the team anytime through MyChart.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resting tremor, stiffness, slower movement, smaller handwriting, reduced arm swing, and changes in walking or balance — usually gradual and on one side of the body.
Not necessarily. Essential tremor typically occurs during movement, while a Parkinson's tremor often appears at rest.
Parkinson's develops when certain nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are gradually lost. The exact cause isn't fully known and is likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Most cases are not directly inherited. Having a close relative with Parkinson's can slightly raise your risk, but most people who develop it have no family history of the disease.
No cure yet, but symptoms can often be managed effectively with medication, therapy, and, for some patients, advanced treatments.
Your neurologist can evaluate whether DBS may help and coordinate referral for advanced care when appropriate.