Movement Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms
What Are Movement Disorders?
Movement disorders are a set of neurological illnesses that involve impaired coordination of movements and involuntary movements such as tremors. Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and essential tremors are some of these illnesses.
Specialists, such as physicians, nurses, and genetic counsellors, can diagnose and treat movement abnormalities in children and adults. Each disease necessitates a unique treatment strategy customised to the patient’s specific demands. Specific centres of excellence are able to give diagnosis and comprehensive care to people suffering from movement disorders.
Types of Movement Disorders
Several different movement disorders can impair a person’s capacity to control their movements. These are the eight most frequent varieties.
- Parkinson’s disease: This is a degenerative nervous system condition that impairs movement. Tremors, stiffness, and problems with balance and coordination are some of the symptoms.
- Essential Tremor: This neurological disorder causes uncontrollable shaking or tremors, typically in the hands and arms.
- Dystonia: This disorder causes involuntary muscle contractions that lead to repetitive or twisting movements. It can affect any part of your body.
- Huntington’s Disease: This is a genetic disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the brain cells. Symptoms include involuntary movements, difficulties with coordination, and cognitive decline.
- Tourette Syndrome: This disorder causes involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. It typically starts in childhood and can improve or worsen over time.
- Tourette Syndrome: This disorder causes involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. It typically starts in childhood and can improve or worsen over time.
- Tourette Syndrome: This disorder causes involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. It typically starts in childhood and can improve or worsen over time.
Causes of Movement Disorders
A variety of factors can cause movement disorders. Some of them are
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders can cause movement disorders by damaging the neurons responsible for controlling movement.
- Genetic Factors: Some movement disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, are caused by genetic mutations.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and anti-seizure drugs, can cause movement disorders as a side effect.
- Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and other brain injuries can damage the areas of the brain responsible for movement control.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis, can cause brain inflammation, leading to movement disorders.
- Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as carbon monoxide, can damage the brain and cause movement disorders.
Symptoms Of Movement Disorders
The symptoms of movement disorders can vary depending on the specific condition. Some people with movement disorders may also experience non-motor symptoms such as cognitive impairment, mood changes, or sleep disturbances.
Some common symptoms include:
Tremors (rhythmic shaking or trembling movements)
• Rigidity (stiffness or resistance in the muscles)
• Bradykinesia (slowness or difficulty initiating movements)
• Dystonia (sustained or repetitive muscle contractions)
• Chorea (quick, jerky, unpredictable movements)
• Athetosis (slow, writhing, twisting movements)
• Myoclonus (brief, rapid, involuntary muscle contractions)
• Tics (sudden, repetitive, involuntary vocalisations)
• Gait disturbances (difficulty with walking or balance)
• Akinesia (difficulty initiating movements or a lack of movement)