FAQ

A neurologist, who has completed fellowship training in movement disorders. The fellowship training length is one to two additional years of training after neurology residency. The subspecialty fellowship training focusses on education to further understand, make recommendations, manage and treat conditions that affect brain regions impacted by a movement disorder.

They have additional knowledge and skill sets beyond general neurology specific to movement disorders. Movement disorder specialists have the ability to control and/ or decrease your movement disorder symptoms to enhance your quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with or are suspicious you may have a movement disorder it would be in your best interest or behoove you (whatever sounds good here) to follow with a neurologist who is fellowship trained specifically in movement disorders
Dr. Boland states “the earlier you receive advanced care from a movement disorder specialist the greater the likelihood you will have superior outcomes”.

Movement disorder specialists can serve as both your movement disorder subspecialist and general neurologist.

There are many medications available to treat movement disorders. Movement disorder specialists have advanced knowledge and expertise on prescribing the right medication in the right form at the right dose at the right time — all while minimizing unwanted side effects.

A movement disorder specialist has the unique ability to provide advice regarding medication management for movement disorder conditions, due to a comprehensive understanding of the disease and it’s course. This is vitally impotant to patients, because the selection of the medications are effected by things like symptoms, where a person is in their disease course, disease severity and tolerance to medication.

A movement disorder specialist will consider your specific situation and tailor the medication regimen to you.

I. Deep Brain Stimulation

a) Who determines candidacy for DBS?

a. Ideally a movement disorder fellowship trained physician

b) Who implants the DBS?
A neurosurgeon. Dr. Boland partners with specific neurosurgeons who are specifically trained in the implantation of the DBS device. As a team Dr. Boland with the neurosurgeon, will determine the ideal location for DBS placement.

c) Who manages my DBS after surgery?
a. A movement disorder specialist. They will work with you to adjust your DBS settings to optimize symptoms

d) Do all movement disorder specialists have training in Deep Brain Stimulation?

a. Most movement disorder specialists during their fellowship training have exposure to and are trained in the evaluation and management of deep brain stimulation. Some movement disorder neurologists go on to have extra training and expertise specifically in the area of deep brain stimulation. Dr. Boland is an expert in deep brain stimulation evaluation and management.

II. What is chemodenervation with botulinum toxin

An injection of botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, or Myobloc for example).

a. Into specific muscles in order to alleviate symptoms like dystonia, spastiticity or excess saliva production. The muscle selection, amount of toxin and skill of the physician who does the injects is inherent to your outcomes and success. It is important to select a neurologist, with extensive training and expertise in the area of botulinum toxin injections. Dr. Boland has extensive fellowship training and experience in this area. Along with her prior PT knowledge of muscle anatomy, physiology and function.

III. Management of Non-Motor Symptoms

The management of non-motor symptoms in movement disorder patients is a very specific unique important skill set that is very specific knowledge of a movement disorder specialist. They are trained to identify them early on and manage them throughout the disease course and your life. Non-motor symptoms are some of the biggest contributors that effect your quality of life. They include things like blood pressure management, mood (depression and anxiety), cognition – (memory, hallucinations, etc), bowel and bladder problems

Dr Boland states:
“Choosing to have the expertise of a fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist on your care team is the most important life changing decision and greatest gift you can give yourself through out your disease course and life”. We are focused on providing you the ability to thoroughly experience and enjoy your life to the fullest.
We are looking forward to the opportunity to serve the movement disorders community here in the panhandle of Florida.”