VCU offers movement disorder screenings

By Erin Lucero
Office of Development, School of Medicine

RICHMOND, Va. — Individuals who have taken or are currently taking anti-psychotic medications are encouraged to attend a free movement disorder screening offered by Virginia Commonwealth University. Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on April 28 and from 9 a.m. - noon on April 29 at the Richmond Hotel and Conference Center, 6531 W. Broad St.

The screening, which includes a non-intrusive, 20-minute physical exam, will assess individuals for two types of movement disorders called parkinsonism and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). Both types of disorders are caused by anti-psychotic medications. Parkinsonism is characterized by slow movements, rigidity and tremor. TD is characterized by irregular, writhing movements or abnormally fixed posture. The disorders can be disfiguring, disabling and sometimes irreversible. VCU researchers have found that about two-thirds of individuals treated with anti-psychotics in the Central Virginia area have one of these disorders, and the majority of these cases have not been diagnosed. Early detection is the key to optimal treatment.

The free screenings are offered in conjunction with a meeting held by the Virginia chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. The meeting also will feature a presentation on movement disorders by VCU psychiatrist David Ross, M.D. The registration fee is $35 for NAMI members and $45 for non-members. To register for the meeting, contact Amy Andrews at (804) 225-8254.

In addition to the free scerenings offered April 28 - 29, a limited number of free screenings are available by appointment at VCU’s Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. For more information or to register for a screening, contact Jennifer Ferris in Richmond at (804) 828-4570.