At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we are committed to providing the highest-quality care for individuals affected by movement disorders. Our Movement Disorders Program is designed to enhance the quality of life for patients, their families, and caregivers by offering comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, education and support services. We believe in a patient-centered approach that integrates expert medical care with community resources and innovative treatment options.
Our program is led by a multidisciplinary team, including neurology specialists, balance physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and public health professionals—all working together to provide cutting-edge care. Through advanced research and ongoing education, we continuously strive to improve the lives of those living with movement disorders.
If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact our Outreach Coordinator at 912-819-2224 or fill out this form.
Our Outreach Coordinator has completed the Allied Team Training Program with the National Parkinson Foundation, equipping them with specialized knowledge in treating Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
At St. Joseph’s/Candler, our neurology and movement disorder specialists provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of movement disorders. These conditions affect muscle control, coordination and overall mobility, impacting daily life in different ways. If you or a loved one has been referred to our program, understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward effective management and treatment.
Here are some of the most common movement disorders we treat and what they mean:
A progressive neurological disorder that affects movement due to a lack of dopamine in the brain. Symptoms may include tremors, stiffness, slow movement (bradykinesia) and balance issues. Over time, Parkinson’s can also impact speech, facial expressions and cognitive functions.
A condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions, leading to abnormal postures, repetitive movements or twisting motions. Dystonia can affect a single part of the body (focal dystonia) or multiple areas (generalized dystonia). It can be painful and interfere with daily activities.
A neurological condition that causes rhythmic shaking, most commonly in the hands but sometimes in the head, voice or legs. Unlike Parkinson’s, essential tremor usually worsens with movement and may be hereditary.
A genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to uncontrolled movements (chorea), cognitive decline and emotional changes. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 30 and 50 and worsen over time.
A complex neurological disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, movement symptoms similar to Parkinson’s, visual hallucinations and fluctuations in alertness. It is caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, affecting thinking, movement and behavior.
A broad term for neuromuscular disorders that weaken muscles due to genetic, metabolic or inflammatory causes. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, cramping, stiffness and difficulty with mobility. Some forms are inherited, while others develop later in life.
A neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by tingling, crawling or aching sensations. Symptoms are usually worse at night and can disrupt sleep.
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or vocal sounds that are difficult to control. Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that involves multiple motor and vocal tics, which may range from mild to severe. Symptoms often begin in childhood and can fluctuate over time.
A rare, progressive neurological disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system and movement control. Symptoms include Parkinson-like motor issues, blood pressure instability and bladder dysfunction. MSA progresses faster than Parkinson’s and does not respond well to standard Parkinson’s treatments.
A rare brain disorder that causes problems with balance, movement, speech and eye control. Patients often experience frequent falls, difficulty looking up or down and slowed speech. PSP is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease due to overlapping symptoms.
A disorder that affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance. Symptoms include unsteady walking, clumsy movements, slurred speech and difficulty with fine motor tasks. Ataxia can be inherited or caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, or toxins.
A condition where muscles become stiff or tight, making movement difficult. It occurs due to damage to the brain or spinal cord, often seen in conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke or multiple sclerosis. Spasticity can cause pain, and muscle spasms.
Our team at St. Joseph’s/Candler is dedicated to diagnosing and treating all types of movement disorders using advanced medical technology, personalized therapies and a patient-first approach. If you or a loved one is living with a movement disorder, know that you are not alone. Our specialists are here to provide expert care and support to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At the heart of our Movement Disorders Program is a team of dedicated specialists with extensive experience in treating neurological conditions. We combine expertise, research and world-class care to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Jill Trumble, M.D. – Medical Director, Movement Disorders ProgramDr. Jill Trumble is a highly respected Movement Disorder Specialist and the Medical Director of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Movement Disorders Program. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Trumble completed her Movement Disorders Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia, where she also served as Chief Resident. Her dedication and expertise earned her recognition as "Resident of the Year" and a prestigious Fellowship Grant to attend the International Movement Disorders Conference in Sydney, Australia.
She is an active member of the Movement Disorders Society and the American Academy of Neurology, contributing to research, education and community outreach for individuals affected by movement disorders.
The Movement Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s/Candler is the leading center in the region for diagnosing and treating movement disorders. Our team understands the physical, emotional and social challenges that come with these conditions, and we are here to support both patients and caregivers every step of the way. Call our Outreach Coordinator for more information: 912-819-2224.
