Movement disorder

The Movement disorder is a neurological abnormality which can be caused by a number of underlying medical conditions. The patient with movement disorders can experience inability to move, walk, stand and they cannot perform any other physical activity. Movement disorder is associated with an increase in the involuntary movements that is called as hyperkinesia or an abnormal decrease in the voluntary movements that is termed as hypokinesia. These medical conditions are collectively called as Dyskinesia. Movement disorder can cause abnormal jerky movements or severe inability to move the body parts according to our needs to perform the physical activities.

Causes 

Movement disorders are caused by diseases or injury in the basal ganglia of the brain, which contains many nerves that control the voluntary and involuntary movements of the body. Some of the important underlying causes of movement disorders are the neurological diseases such as restless leg syndrome, bradykinesia, myoclonus, Tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, Huntington’s chorea, some types of palsy, Parkinson’s syndrome, tremors, TICS (involuntary muscular contraction and spasm), Wilson’s disease and rarely muscular dystrophy. Some of the uncommon causes of movement disorders are cerebral and head injuries, environmental toxins and heavy metal poisoning, some forms of autoimmune disorders, stroke, hyperthyroidism, brain and spinal cord infections, some drugs such as anti-psychotics, and in some cases familial medical history.

Symptoms

The symptoms of movement disorders are abnormal and involuntary movements of the body or an inability to perform the physical movements, even the daily activities, and rapid, abnormal and uncontrolled jerky movements of the body. Even if the patient tries to control or suppress these symptoms, he/she may not be able to do so

Diagnosis

• Cerebro-Spinal fluid Analysis - Biochemical and microbiological culture tests

• Complete blood count

• Serum chemistry tests such as Creatine Kinase and acetylcholine estimations

• Genetic diagnosis for inherited muscular disorders

• Muscle biopsies

• Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Electro-Myogram (EMG) and Electro-Encephalogram

Treatment options of movement disorder

Mostly the treatment option depends upon the movement disorder patients and the underlying causes. Some of the commonly prescribed medications for the movement disorders are sedatives or tranquilizers, dopamine agonist drugs such as bromocriptine, and anti-epileptic drugs such as valproate, gabapentin and beta-blocker drugs. Some of the movement disorder patients may need surgical intervention. But it is usually decided by the physician in accordance with the requirement of the patient and the severity of movement disorder.  

Prognosis

The prognosis of movement disorder depends on the underlying cause, age and severity of the medical conditions. Some of the modifiable underlying reasons such as hyperthyroidism and drugs can be treated easily and many of the problems such as genetic conditions cannot be treated and the prognosis is usually poor in the advanced stages. Some of the neuro-rehabilitary measures and physical therapies can improve the symptoms.  

Prevention strategies for movement disorder

As of now, there are no preventive measures available for movement disorders and it is advisable to correct the modifiable risk factors. Some of the alternative and complementary medicines are reported to be useful in some conditions. But there is no scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of these treatments.

When to see a doctor

If you experience abnormal jerky movements, inability to perform your day-to-day activities, if you had an untreated head injury or if your symptoms get worse even after your treatment, it could be a symptom of movement disorder. You need to consult a medical doctor immediately.