How the Sisters built a legacy in Tulsa
August 26, 2026
As Ascension St. John marks 100 years in Tulsa, Sister Loretta Hall reflects on the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother legacy of compassionate care and service.
Movement disorders
Neurologists at Ascension St. John in Tulsa, Oklahoma, deliver advanced care for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.
Movement disorder care in Oklahoma
Neurologists at Ascension St. John in Tulsa, Oklahoma, deliver advanced care for movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.
Movement disorder care at Ascension St. John
When you choose a neurologist or neurosurgeon at Ascension St. John, 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. And we can connect you with specialists in imaging, pharmacy through Ascension Rx, therapy, rehab and more.
Understanding movement disorders
Symptoms of a movement disorder may include impaired coordination, tight or stiff muscles, involuntary movements and difficulty speaking or swallowing. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, talk with a movement disorder specialist at Ascension St. John.
Our neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders, such as:
- Ataxia (impaired coordination)
- Cervical dystonia (involuntary twisting of the head)
- Chorea (involuntary, irregular muscle movements)
- Dystonia
- Blepharospasm
- Huntington's disease (breakdown of nerve cells in the brain)
- Myoclonus (involuntary muscle jerk)
- Parkinson's disease
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sialorrhea (drooling) — BOTOX® treatment only
- Tourette syndrome (tics)
- Tremors
Diagnosing and treating movement disorders
Your doctor may recommend tests to evaluate progressive diseases like Parkinson’s. These tests may include a physical exam, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan.
Your doctor and care team take the time to fully explain your diagnosis to you and your family. We’ll also discuss your treatment options and how to manage your daily living needs. Therapy, medications or surgery may be recommended as part of your care plan.
BOTOX® may be used to treat dystonia, spasticity, cerebral palsy and other movement disorders, if they are focused within a certain area of the body.
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 may help improve your brain, muscle and nerve function. 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.
Depending on your symptoms, occupational and/or physical therapy 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. Our therapists use PWR! Moves® with our patients with Parkinson’s Disease, a national program targeting the symptoms of Parkinson’s that lead to the loss of skilled movements and the ability to perform everyday activities. Upon completion of 1:1 therapy, we also offer ongoing group programming at no additional charge to you.
Call 918-744-2476 to schedule an occupational or physical therapy consultation.
Our goal is to improve quality of life and promote independence for those with movement disorders. Speech therapy may be recommended as part of your care plan to strengthen speech and swallowing muscles and to address cognitive challenges. Our speech therapists use Speak Out!® with our patients with Parkinson’s disease, a program designed to help patients learn to “speak with intent” and improve their ability to communicate. Upon completion of 1:1 therapy, we also offer ongoing group Speak Out programming, at no additional charge to you.
Call 918-744-2476 for more information.
Surgery is not the first treatment option for movement disorders. But if surgery is needed, you’ll be connected with neurosurgeons at Ascension St. John. Your doctor and neurosurgeon work together to create a personalized care plan. Our goal is to help relieve your symptoms and slow the progression of your movement disorder.
As your needs change, so does our care. Our compassionate approach delivers family-centered care with long-term follow-up care for your emotional and physical well-being.
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 neurology 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.
Providers: Refer a patient
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.
Providers, fax the completed form to 918-403-6437.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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