At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists diagnose and treat Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders for patients across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania. You get a clear answer, a treatment plan built around your life, and a neurologist who stays with you as things change.
Request an Appointment or call (301) 797-7600.
What Is a Movement Disorder?
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that change how you move, whether that's a tremor, stiffness, slowness, or movements you can't control. Parkinson's is the one most people have heard of, but it's one of many.
As neurologists, we're specially trained to tell these conditions apart, because the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis. We diagnose and manage:
- Parkinson's disease
- Essential tremor, which is often confused with Parkinson's
- Other tremors and shaking
- Dystonia, or involuntary muscle contractions
- Restless legs syndrome
- Gait and balance problems
- Other Parkinson's-like, or parkinsonian, conditions
Recognizing the Early Signs of Parkinson's
Parkinson's usually comes on slowly, and the early signs are easy to write off as stress or aging. Catching it sooner means treatment can start sooner. Common early signs include:
- A slight tremor in a hand, finger, or thumb, usually at rest
- Slowed movement, also called bradykinesia, where tasks take longer than they used to
- Stiffness or rigidity in the arms, legs, or trunk
- Smaller handwriting, also called micrographia
- Reduced facial expression or a softer speaking voice
- Changes in balance or posture, or a shuffling walk
- Loss of smell, sleep problems, or constipation that may precede movement symptoms
If you or a loved one notice these changes, an evaluation can determine the cause — which may or may not be Parkinson's.
See the full list in our guide to the 10 early signs of Parkinson's disease.
Is It Parkinson's — or Essential Tremor?
Not every tremor is Parkinson's. Essential tremor is actually more common, and the two get mistaken for each other constantly. They're treated in completely different ways, so telling them apart is one of the first things your neurologist works out.
| Parkinson's tremor | Essential tremor | |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | At rest; often improves with movement | During movement — holding a cup, writing, eating |
| Where it starts | Usually one hand; may spread to the leg or jaw | Usually both hands; can affect the head or voice |
| Other symptoms | Stiffness, slowness, balance and gait changes | Usually tremor alone |
| Family history | Less commonly inherited | Often runs in families |
| Progression | Gradual, with other movement symptoms over time | Slow; typically stays tremor-only |
Getting this distinction right matters. It decides which treatment will actually help, and it's exactly what a neurologist is trained to sort out.
How We Diagnose Parkinson's and Movement Disorders
There is no single blood test for Parkinson's disease. Diagnosis is clinical, based on a careful neurological evaluation by an experienced specialist. Your visit typically includes:
Detailed History
Your symptoms, when they started, how they've changed, and your medications.
Neurological Exam
Assessing tremor, muscle tone, movement speed, balance, and gait.
Review Over Time
Sometimes the clearest picture develops across visits.
Testing When Needed
Imaging or testing may be used to rule out other causes that mimic Parkinson's.
Diagnosis and a personalized plan: Because we evaluate the full range of movement disorders, we can distinguish Parkinson's from essential tremor and other look-alike conditions with confidence.
Treatment and Ongoing Care
There's no cure for Parkinson's yet, but that's not the whole story. The right medication can control tremor, stiffness, and slowness well enough that many people keep working, driving, and living independently for years. The key is a plan matched to you and adjusted as your needs shift. Yours may include:
- Medication management to improve tremor, stiffness, and slowness — carefully tailored and fine-tuned over time
- Treatment for essential tremor and other specific movement disorders
- Symptom support for sleep, mood, and other non-movement symptoms
- Guidance on exercise and referrals for physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Coordination for advanced therapies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), with specialized centers when appropriate
- Regular follow-up to keep your treatment working as your needs change
Parkinson's can also affect memory and thinking as it progresses. When that happens, we fold in our memory and cognitive care instead of sending you elsewhere.
Why Choose Mir Neurology?
- Board-certified neurologists with 20+ years of experience
- Specialized care for Parkinson's, essential tremor, and the full range of movement disorders
- Accurate diagnosis that distinguishes Parkinson's from look-alike conditions
- Personalized, long-term treatment with attentive follow-up
- Most major insurance plans accepted
- Two convenient locations in Cumberland and Hagerstown
What Our Patients Say
"If you are looking for a neurologist, I highly recommend Dr. Mir and his wonderful staff. They treat you like a person and truly care about your well being. They take the time that is needed to thoroughly understand your medical needs."
"Dr. Mir is so personable and knowledgeable; and his staff is very friendly and professional. I don't think that I have ever met a doctor as thorough and likable as is Dr. Mir. I just love him!"
Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area
With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, you can see a movement disorder specialist near you instead of driving to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or D.C. We regularly care for patients from:
Maryland
Cumberland, Hagerstown, LaVale, Frostburg, Cresaptown, Hancock, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Boonsboro
West Virginia
Martinsburg, Keyser, Romney, Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw
Pennsylvania
Waynesboro, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Mercersburg
Cumberland office: 924 Seton Dr Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502 — Mon–Sat, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Hagerstown office: 11110 Medical Campus Rd Unit 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742 — Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of doctor treats Parkinson's disease?
A neurologist — ideally one experienced in movement disorders — diagnoses and treats Parkinson's disease. Neurologists distinguish Parkinson's from other conditions, prescribe and fine-tune medications, and coordinate long-term care.
What's the difference between essential tremor and Parkinson's?
An essential tremor usually happens during movement, like holding a cup, while a Parkinson's tremor typically occurs at rest. They are different conditions with different treatments, so an accurate diagnosis is important.
What are the first signs of Parkinson's?
Common early signs include a slight resting tremor in one hand, slowed movement, stiffness, smaller handwriting, reduced facial expression, and changes in balance or walking. Some people notice loss of smell or sleep changes first.
Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?
Most cases are not directly inherited, though genetics can play a role, and a family history slightly raises the risk. Family history is one part of a thorough evaluation.
How is Parkinson's diagnosed?
There's no single test. Diagnosis is based on a neurological exam and your symptom history, sometimes with imaging to rule out other causes. It's a clinical diagnosis made by an experienced neurologist.
Can Parkinson's be cured?
There is no cure yet, but Parkinson's is very treatable. Medications and supportive therapies effectively control symptoms and help people stay active and independent, with treatment adjusted over time.
Does Mir Neurology perform deep brain stimulation (DBS)?
We manage Parkinson's medications and long-term care and, when advanced treatment such as DBS is appropriate, we evaluate candidacy and coordinate referral to a specialized center that performs the procedure.
Does insurance cover Parkinson's care?
Neurological evaluation and Parkinson's care are covered by most insurance plans. Some plans require a referral; call our office and we'll help confirm your coverage.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
It depends on your insurance plan. Many patients can self-refer. Call (301) 797-7600 and our team will explain your coverage and next steps.
Where can I find a Parkinson's specialist near me in Western Maryland?
Mir Neurology provides Parkinson's and movement disorder care at our Cumberland and Hagerstown offices, serving Western Maryland, the WV Eastern Panhandle, and South-Central Pennsylvania.
Noticing a Tremor or Changes in Movement? Get Answers.
The sooner you know what's behind the tremor, the sooner the right treatment can start. Book with a movement disorder specialist at Mir Neurology in Cumberland or Hagerstown.
Request an Appointment | (301) 797-7600
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.