Finding the Right Doctor for Essential Tremor

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Movement Disorders Specialist Directory

How do I find a good movement disorders specialist? 
​It's a lot like hunting for a good dentist or a good mechanic: You need to ask around. Your primary care doctor may be able to refer you. If you attend a support group, ask other patients with the disorder. You can also post requests on Internet bulletin board sites. But remember that the Internet should only serve as a starting point for your research and education, not your only source of information since it is so often difficult to source and verify the advice you find there.

The Duties of a Neurologist: Understanding Different Neurological Specialties
Neurologists have different duties that may vary greatly depending on the area they specialize in. Neurologists may specialize in several areas, such as surgical, clinical, or research-based. Regardless of specialty, all neurologists must diagnose, treat, and monitor nervous system disorders.

• Research neurologists 

A research neurologist may not ever work with traditional patients. They work out of sight of the public, creating medical treatments for nervous system disorders. Although you may never visit one of these doctors, they are very important. These neurologists research how the nervous system works with other body systems. They also study nervous system disorders and use this information to develop treatment options. 

• Surgical neurologists 

Some neurologists focus on virtually any type of nervous system surgery. Surgical neurologists most often specialize in brain and spine surgery. Some surgical neurologists may perform surgeries related to chronic nerve disorders, but most surgical neurologists focus on repairing nerve problems such as pinched nerves, nerve pressure, or nerve damage. Some surgical neurologists must interpret imaging to recommend the right treatment for each issue. Depending on the doctor, some see patients for follow-up appointments, while others refer patients to a clinical neurologist. 

• Clinical neurologists 

Patients who suspect they have some sort of neurological disorder will deal with the clinical neurologist first. The clinical neurologist can give an initial diagnosis. This doctor will review all symptoms and complete diagnostic testing to formulate an appropriate diagnosis for your condition. Next, a treatment plan will most likely be recommended. If the treatment is non-surgical, then you will continue to be treated by the clinical neurologist. The clinical neurologist will monitor and carry out any other follow-up treatment needed. Whenever surgical treatment becomes necessary, the clinical neurologist will refer you to a surgical neurologist.

What Kind of Doctor Should I be Seeing for my Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor patients are advised to consult a movement disorders specialist, a neurologist with additional training in conditions such as Essential Tremor that primarily affect physical movement. While a general neurologist may treat over 100 neurological conditions, a movement disorders specialist concentrates on a few specific disorders. These specialists are often affiliated with reputable universities or teaching hospitals.

If you experience tremors, you might need to find a movement disorder specialist—a neurologist with specialized training in Essential Tremor, which primarily affects physical movement. Although a general neurologist may treat more than 100 neurological conditions, a movement disorders specialist focuses on a select few disorders. Such specialists are also frequently affiliated with reputable universities or teaching hospitals.​