Movement disorders

Neurologists at The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart, deliver advanced care for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s.

Movement disorder care in Northwest Florida

Neurologists at The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart, deliver advanced care for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s.

Why choose The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart

When you choose a neurologist or neurosurgeon at The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart, you get a doctor who listens to understand you and your health concerns. Your doctor has the experience to diagnose and treat complex movement disorders. We can connect you with specialists in imaging, pharmacy through Ascension Rx, therapy, rehab and more.

Movement disorders

Symptoms of a movement disorder include impaired coordination, tight or stiff muscles, involuntary movements and difficulty speaking or swallowing. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, talk with a neurologist at The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart.

We have a dedicated movement disorders clinic, led by neurologist Deborah Boland, DO, who specializes in the treatment of movement disorders including:

  • Ataxia (impaired coordination)
  • Cervical dystonia (involuntary twisting of the head)
  • Chorea (involuntary, irregular muscle movements)
  • Dystonia
  • Functional movement disorder (involuntary movements or body positions)
  • Huntington's disease (breakdown of nerve cells in the brain)
  • Myoclonus (involuntary muscle jerk)
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Tourette syndrome (tics)
  • Tremors

Treating movement disorders

Surgery is not always the first option for movement disorders. Your doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatment options first, such as medications and therapy. If surgery is needed, you’ll be connected with neurosurgeons in our network of care at The Advanced Brain and Spine Institute at Ascension Sacred Heart.

Together, we work with you and for you to create a personalized care plan. Our goal is to help relieve your symptoms and slow the progression of your movement disorder.

Depending on your symptoms, physical therapy or rehabilitation may be recommended as part of your care plan. These therapies can help improve your mobility, reduce your risk of falls, improve posture, reduce pain and more. Your doctor can connect you with therapists who specialize in movement disorders.

Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders

If you have a movement disorder and feel your medication is no longer working, talk to one of our specialists to see if deep brain stimulation (DBS) is right for you. DBS is a surgical procedure during which your doctor implants electrodes into specific areas of your brain. These electrodes create impulses that can help regulate abnormal brain activity that is causing symptoms. DBS may help improve brain, muscle and nerve function.

Get a second opinion

If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment plan, a second opinion can help you better understand your options. Our epilepsy specialists can review your medical records and history to provide an additional perspective. Before your appointment, check with your insurance provider to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf so they can be shared before your visit.

FIND A NEUROLOGIST

Providers: Refer a patient

phone_enabled

Referring your patients is simple and hassle-free. Send your patient’s medical records, and we'll take it from there — keeping you in the loop throughout the process while ensuring your patient gets the advanced care they need.

NEUROLOGY REFERRAL: 850-416-2554NEUROSURGERY REFERRAL: 850-416-2250

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

All registered marks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Stories you'll love

Preparing a bowl of oats for fiber.

Fibermaxxing: Can You Eat Too Much Fiber?

August 31, 2026

Fibermaxxing can help you eat more fiber, but too much too quickly isn't always a good thing. A gastroenterologist explains how to increase fiber intake safely.

Elijah smiles brightly while celebrating progress in his craniofacial care journey at Studer Family Children’s Hospital.

Some smiles stay with you. Elijah’s is one of them. During National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, Studer Family Children’s Hospital celebrates his specialized pediatric cleft care journey.

Carolyn, a cardiology patient at Ascension Sacred Heart, stands smiling beside Dr. Asim Ahmed, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida, in a clinic hallway

At Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Dr. Asim Ahmed, cardiac electrophysiologist, treats AFib, helping stabilize heart rhythm and restore her quality of life for patients.

Eric A. and his wife

Eric A. found lasting relief from scoliosis and spine pain through advanced surgery with Dr. Frank Farokhi, neurosurgeon at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida, restoring his mobility and quality of life.

Read more stories