Specialties & Conditions Complex Movement Disorders Program
Complex Movement Disorders Program
The Pediatric Movement Disorders Program at Lurie Children’s provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and treatment, including surgical options, of children with movement disorders.
Movement disorders in children affect the speed and quality of movement leading to too much movement, too little movement or problems with balance and coordination.
Pediatric movement disorders can be caused by genetics, metabolic disorders, infections, stroke and vascular disease, toxins, or damage to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Affected children have muscles that are too tight which may case pain, bone and join pathology and tremor.
This program is led by expert subspecialists affiliated with the No. 1 nationally ranked physical medicine and rehabilitation research hospital in the U.S., the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Lurie Children’s, the No. 1 ranked children’s hospital in Illinois.
The Lurie Children's Difference
Our program is the only pediatric movement disorders program in the Chicago metropolitan area. It is led by one of the few pediatric movement disorders trained specialists in the country.
The multidisciplinary program combines the experts in various pediatric subspecialities, including:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Physiatrists
- Clinical Care
- Neuroradiology
- Nursing
- Orthotics
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Research and Education
- Social Work
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Genetics
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is also part of the team. Together, we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment such as deep brain stimulation. We also participate in research and clinical trials.
Conditions We Treat
Therapies and Treatments
Botulinum Toxin Therapy
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention
Deep Brain Stimulation
Intrathecal and Intraventricular Baclofen Therapy
Neurotomy
Neurogenetics
Orthotics
Phenol Motor Blocks
Physical Therapy
Progressive Casting
Occupational Therapy
Speech-Language Pathology
Ventral-dorsal rhizotomy
What to Expect
During your visit, your child will be evaluated at one of our outpatient locations. Specialty movement disorders clinics are available at Lurie Children’s Main Hospital or our Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park.
Additional testing and consultation may be arranged depending on your child’s condition. These tests or consultations may include:
- Laboratory testing
- Electroencephalogram
- Brain MRI or other imaging studies
- Psychology or psychiatry consultation
- Rehabilitation consultation
possible, please bring a video of your child’s movements, especially if these movements are not constant and might not be seen during a visit. Your child may be videotaped for clinical, educational or research purposes.
Our Specialists
The Pediatric Movement Disorders Program includes:
Joanna Blackburn, MD
Jeffrey Raskin, MD
Tim Krater, DO
Vineeta Swaroop, MD
Elyse Zanghi, CO
Jennifer Misasi, MS, RN, CPNP
Mehgan Rickett, RN
Joann Scearcy, RN
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's neurologic needs.