Movement Disorders

Types

There are several types of movement disorders.

Ataxias

Ataxias are a group of degenerative (marked by gradual deterioration) disorders that affect the brain, brain stem or spinal cord.

Dystonia

Dystonia involves prolonged muscle contractions that can cause twisting and rhythmic, jerky movements or abnormal posture.

General dystonia involves the entire body. Focal dystonias involve only one part of the body, most commonly the neck (spasmodic torticollis), eyelids (blepharospasm), face or jaw, or hand (writer's cramp or limb dystonia).

Essential Tremor

Essential tremor involves uncontrolled shaking or trembling, usually of one or both hands or arms or of the head or voice, which worsens with action.

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease caused by the deterioration of certain nerve cells in the brain. Onset usually occurs between ages 35 and 50. The condition is hereditary. Symptoms may include:

• Involuntary, jerky movements in the arms, neck, trunk and face (chorea)
• Personality changes
• Intellectual deterioration

Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple system atrophy includes disorders formerly known as Shy-Drager syndrome, striatonigral degeneration or olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Multiple system atrophy is characterized by Parkinson's-like movement symptoms as well as abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system such as light-headedness or fainting, bowel or bladder incontinence.

Myoclonus

Myoclonus is characterized by sudden, jerky movements, twitching or intermittent spasms of a muscle or group of muscles. These jerks are not regular in rhythm (by contrast to tremors) and are much quicker than chorea or dystonia.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease involves progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the area of the brain controlling muscle movement. Resulting symptoms include tremors or shaking when the body is at rest, slowed movement, a shuffling and unsteady gait, and stiff or rigid limbs on one or both sides of the body.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare brain disorder that causes serious and permanent problems with gait and balance control. Symptoms include frequent falls and balance problems, an inability to move the eyes properly, and changes in mood and behavior. Symptoms vary widely. Progressive supranuclear palsy is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome causes a deep-seated, creepy, crawly feeling in the legs at rest. The feeling often is relieved by movement. Symptoms are generally worse in the evening and may result in insomnia. Medical treatments are available.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as grimacing, lip smacking, eye blinking or rapid leg and arm movements. It is caused by long-term use of neuroleptic (tranquilizers used to treat psychotic conditions) drugs.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal sounds called tics. Symptoms generally appear before age 18.

Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder that causes excessive amounts of copper to accumulate in the body. Symptoms begin appearing between the ages of 6 and 40. Liver disease is a consequence in many patients. In others, the first symptoms are neurological or psychiatric and can include tremor, rigidity, personality changes or grossly inappropriate behavior.