Movement disorder

Movement disorder is a broad term that encompasses a variety of neurological conditions that affect an individual's ability to produce and control bodily movements. These disorders can be either hyperkinetic (characterized by excessive, often involuntary movement) or hypokinetic (characterized by a lack of movement or slow movement).

Causes

Movement disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, infections, medications, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Some movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, are believed to be primarily caused by genetic factors. Others, such as dystonia, may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms

The symptoms of movement disorders can vary widely depending on the specific disorder. Common symptoms include tremors, tics, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), akinesia (absence of movement), and dyskinesia (abnormal or impaired movement). Some movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can also cause non-motor symptoms such as cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and autonomic dysfunction.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of movement disorders typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as neurological examination. Additional tests, such as imaging studies, genetic testing, and laboratory tests, may also be used to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for movement disorders depends on the specific disorder and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and in some cases, surgery. For some disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, treatment may also involve deep brain stimulation.

See also

• Parkinson's disease
• Huntington's disease
• Dystonia
• Tremor
• Tic disorders

Movement disorder Resources
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