For many people, a slight tremor or change in balance can seem like an inevitable part of getting older. But according to Dr. Mary Flaherty, a fellowship-trained movement disorders neurologist at St. Clair Medical Group Neurology, those symptoms shouldn’t simply be dismissed as signs of aging.
Instead, they may indicate an underlying neurological condition that can often be managed more effectively when diagnosed early.
“Any time you notice tremors that are interfering with your daily life or just feel different from your baseline, it’s worth talking to your doctor,” Dr. Flaherty said. “We’re here to help enhance patients’ quality of life through medical treatments and other interventions.”
Movement disorders encompass a broad range of neurological conditions that affect a person’s ability to move. At St. Clair, Dr. Flaherty treats patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, tic disorders and other conditions that can impair walking, balance and coordination.
As St. Clair continues to expand its neurology services, local residents now have greater access to specialized movement disorder care without traveling to larger medical centers.
Dr. Flaherty said research consistently shows that identifying movement disorders early can improve patients’ quality of life.
“Even if you’re not ready for medication, there are a lot of different modalities we can use to enhance overall quality of life,” she said. “If we’re able to diagnose early, we can also recommend interventions that may slow the progression of illness.”
Those interventions often extend well beyond medication.
Dr. Flaherty said movement disorders can affect cognition, memory, emotional health and other aspects of daily living in addition to physical movement. Patients with Parkinson’s disease, for example, experience higher rates of depression than the general population.
“We really need to think beyond the movement symptoms,” she said. “We use speech therapists for cognitive exercises, mental health professionals when appropriate and community resources to help patients and families.”
Among those resources are local support groups and exercise programs through organizations such as the Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Flaherty said connecting patients with others facing similar challenges can be one of the most beneficial aspects of treatment.
Looking ahead, St. Clair plans to build an even more comprehensive movement disorders program through a multidisciplinary approach.
The vision includes greater collaboration among neurologists, physical therapists, speech therapists and neurosurgeons. The hospital also hopes to develop a specialized clinic for patients undergoing deep brain stimulation, a surgical treatment that can help some individuals with Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.
“Ideally, you’re utilizing all the tools in your toolbox,” Dr. Flaherty said. “That involves physical therapy, speech therapy, surgeons and a collaborative approach to patient care.”
Dr. Flaherty also hopes to dispel one of the biggest misconceptions she hears from newly diagnosed Parkinson’s patients.
“A lot of patients think it ultimately means they’re going to end up in a wheelchair,” she said. “Many of my patients remain quite ambulatory for a long time, especially if they make exercise a big part of their lives.”
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, she emphasized that there are numerous treatments available to help patients maintain independence and improve daily functioning.
She recalled one patient who had previously been told they simply had essential tremor. After a specialized evaluation, Dr. Flaherty recognized symptoms more consistent with Parkinson’s disease and started appropriate treatment. The patient experienced improved walking, better mobility getting in and out of chairs and reduced tremors while also benefiting from local exercise programs and support services.
For Dr. Flaherty, stories like that reinforce the importance of seeking medical evaluation when something feels different.
“If you’re worried that something isn’t right, it’s always better to bring it up with your doctor earlier rather than later,” she said. “We’re either going to recommend further evaluation or provide reassurance.”
Today, Dr. Flaherty said South Hills residents have access to highly specialized movement disorder care much closer to home.
“I want patients to know they have a really good local resource,” she said. “Barriers like transportation don’t have to keep people from getting the care they need. We’re excited to continue growing the program and offering services that weren’t previously available here.”
Dr. Flaherty specializes in treating various movement disorders, including but not limited to parkinsonism, tremor, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, and ataxia. She earned her medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in neurology as well as a fellowship in movement disorders at the AHN Allegheny General Hospital. Dr. Flaherty is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and she practices with St. Clair Medical Group Neurology. To schedule an appointment, call 412.942.6300.
