Parkinson Disease

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic

A National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence
Rodger J. Elble, MD, PhD, Director
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Springfield, IL

A Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Patients and Families with Parkinson Disease, Tourette Syndrome, Blepharospasm, Dystonia, Huntington Disease, Tremor, Ataxia and other movement disorders

Purpose

The Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic of the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine provides comprehensive medical, physical and emotional support for individuals with Parkinson Disease, Huntington Disease, Tourette Syndrome, Dystonia, Blepharospasm, Essential Tremor, Ataxia and other movement disorders.

This innovative clinic offers complete care for the movement disorder patient. The initial screening by neurologists provides complete diagnostic information and treatment plans. Based on this evaluation, the patient may be referred to other specialists to meet each individual's short-term and long-term needs.

While attending the clinic, a continuing relationship with the patient's primary physician is maintained. Patients are provided educational materials and information regarding outside community resources.

Services Available

Movement disorders affect the patient and their families in many ways. In order to respond most effectively, the following services are available:

Neurologists, specializing in movement disorders, conduct an initial neurological examination as well as provide ongoing treatment.
Botulinum treatment for dystonia including blepharospasm is available.
Genetic counseling and comprehensive evaluation of "at risk" individuals is available as necessary.
Physical therapists provide rehabilitative treatment for development of ambulatory skills through exercise and gait training.
Occupational therapists aid in adaptation to self-care activities, work and leisure skills.
Clinical dieticians help you develop diets to meet your specific nutritional needs.
Health care psychologists address emotional and intellectual adaptations associated with the disability.
Speech therapists provide treatment aids and family education for speech difficulties.
The social worker helps with personal, social and emotional problems surrounding the disorder.
A clinical data bank and register of available resources provide complete information for patients and their families.
Research
The clinic supports basic and clinical research in the treatment and understanding of Parkinson disease, essential tremor and other movement disorders.
New Drug Evaluations
The clinic participates in experimental drug evaluation in Parkinson disease, essential tremor and related disorders.
Appointments
For information and appointment scheduling, please call (217) 545-8417 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Location
The clinic is located in the SIU Department of Neurology clinic on the 3rd floor (Room 3100) of the SIU Clinics Building, 751 N. Rutledge Street, Springfield, IL.