Movement Disorders

See Functional neurological symptom disorder

Videos

Dystonia, Chorea, Athetosis, Myoclonus - Movement disorders

Advancing the Diagnosis, Treatment and Research Discoveries of Movement Disorders

Patient Shares Journey with Movement Disorder

DBS as a Treatment for Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal voluntary or involuntary movements. These disorders can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their ability to perform everyday tasks.

Types of Movement Disorders

Movement disorders can be broadly categorized into two types: hyperkinetic and hypokinetic.

Hyperkinetic Disorders

Hyperkinetic disorders are characterized by excessive movement. Some common hyperkinetic disorders include:

• Tremor: Involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body.
• Chorea: Sudden, rapid, and involuntary movements that are irregular and unpredictable.
• Dystonia: Sustained or repetitive muscle contractions resulting in twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.
• Myoclonus: Quick, involuntary muscle jerks.
• Tics: Sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or sounds.

Hypokinetic Disorders

Hypokinetic disorders are characterized by a reduction in movement. The most well-known hypokinetic disorder is:

• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive disorder that affects movement, causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Causes of Movement Disorders

The causes of movement disorders can vary widely and may include:

• Genetic Factors: Some movement disorders, such as Huntington's disease and certain types of dystonia, are inherited.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals or certain chemicals, can lead to movement disorders.
• Medications: Certain drugs, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, can cause movement disorders as a side effect.
• Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can sometimes lead to movement disorders.
• Brain Injuries: Trauma to the brain, such as from a stroke or head injury, can result in movement disorders.
• Degenerative Diseases: Conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy involve the gradual degeneration of brain cells.

Symptoms of Movement Disorders

The symptoms of movement disorders can vary depending on the specific condition but often include:

• Tremors: Shaking or trembling in the hands, arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
• Muscle Rigidity: Stiffness and inflexibility of the muscles.
• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement.
• Involuntary Movements: Uncontrolled movements such as tics, jerks, or spasms.
• Difficulty with Coordination: Problems with balance and coordination, leading to unsteady movements or falls.

Diagnosis of Movement Disorders

Diagnosing movement disorders typically involves a combination of:

1. Medical History: A detailed history of the patient's symptoms, family history, and any potential exposure to toxins or medications.
2. Physical Examination: A thorough neurological examination to assess movement, muscle tone, reflexes, and coordination.
3. Imaging Studies: Techniques such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the brain and identify any structural abnormalities.
4. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to rule out metabolic or infectious causes.
5. Genetic Testing: In cases where a hereditary disorder is suspected, genetic testing may be performed.

Treatment of Movement Disorders

Treatment for movement disorders depends on the specific condition and its severity. Options may include:

• Medications: Drugs that can help manage symptoms, such as levodopa for Parkinson's disease or anticholinergics for dystonia.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and activities designed to improve movement, strength, and coordination.
• Occupational Therapy: Techniques to help patients perform daily activities more easily.
• Speech Therapy: For those with speech difficulties, therapy can help improve communication skills.
• Surgical Interventions: In some cases, procedures such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be recommended.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in diet, exercise, and daily routines to help manage symptoms.

articles/studies

A surprising brain discovery is forcing scientists to rethink movement disorders A surprising discovery is overturning a long-held assumption about how the brain’s movement center works. Researchers found that two key cerebellar cell types—thought to be tightly linked—often don’t behave in predictable ways, even though one directly influences the other. The finding suggests scientists may have been relying on the wrong signals when studying disorders such as dystonia, ataxia,

Movement Disorders II: Chorea, Dystonia, Myoclonus, and Tremor

Nerve cell findings may aid understanding of movement disorders