Congenital mirror movement disorder

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

A rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements on one side of the body mirroring voluntary movements on the opposite side.


Congenital mirror movement disorder
Synonyms CMM disorder
Pronounce
Field Neurology, Medical genetics
Symptoms Involuntary mirroring of intentional movements on the opposite side of the body (typically hands)
Complications Motor coordination difficulties, functional limitations in daily tasks
Onset Birth or early infancy
Duration Lifelong
Types Isolated (nonsyndromic) or syndromic forms
Causes Mutations in the DACT1, RAD51, or DNAL4 genes; disruption in corticospinal tract development
Risks Family history of CMM; autosomal dominant inheritance pattern
Diagnosis Clinical examination, electromyography (EMG), genetic testing
Differential diagnosis Parkinson's disease, Klippel–Feil syndrome, Moebius syndrome
Prevention None
Treatment Supportive care, occupational therapy, physical therapy
Medication None specific; botulinum toxin in some cases
Prognosis Typically stable; symptoms may improve with therapy but usually persist
Frequency Rare
Deaths Not life-threatening


Congenital mirror movement disorder (CMM) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements on one side of the body that mirror voluntary movements on the opposite side. This condition is present from birth and is typically noticed in early childhood.

Presentation[edit | edit source]

Individuals with congenital mirror movement disorder exhibit involuntary movements that occur simultaneously with intentional movements on the opposite side of the body. For example, when a person with CMM moves their right hand, their left hand may involuntarily perform the same movement. These mirror movements are most commonly observed in the upper limbs, particularly the hands and fingers, but can also affect the lower limbs.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of congenital mirror movement disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal development of the nervous system. In typical development, the motor cortex in the brain controls movements on the opposite side of the body. In individuals with CMM, there may be abnormal connections or lack of proper inhibition between the two hemispheres of the brain, leading to simultaneous activation of both sides.

Genetics[edit | edit source]

Congenital mirror movement disorder can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a single copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Mutations in the DCC gene have been associated with CMM. The DCC gene is involved in the development of the nervous system, particularly in the guidance of neurons and the formation of neural circuits.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of congenital mirror movement disorder is primarily clinical, based on the observation of mirror movements. Neurological examination and electromyography (EMG) may be used to assess the extent and nature of the movements. Genetic testing can confirm the presence of mutations associated with the disorder.

Management[edit | edit source]

There is currently no cure for congenital mirror movement disorder. Management focuses on minimizing the impact of the disorder on daily activities. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may help improve motor skills and coordination. In some cases, botulinum toxin injections have been used to reduce the severity of mirror movements.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with congenital mirror movement disorder varies. While the condition is lifelong, many individuals learn to adapt to the involuntary movements and lead normal lives. The severity of the disorder can vary widely among affected individuals.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD