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Movement - uncontrollable

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• Treatment

Definition:

Uncontrollable movements are slow, twisting, continuous, and involuntary movements of the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the body.

Alternative Names:

Uncontrolled movements; Involuntary body movements; Body movements - uncontrollable

Considerations:

This condition is usually a lifelong problem that begins during childhood and is characterized by involuntary neck, face, forearm, wrist, and hand movements. Facial grimaces along with tongue and jaw movements are often associated with involuntary neck movements.

Stress and activity often aggravate this condition, and relaxation and sleep help relieve the problem.

Common Causes:

IN CHILDREN

• Hypoxia at birth
• Genetic disorder
• Kernicterus (excessive bilirubin in the central nervous system )

IN ADULTS

• Drug toxicity
• Degenerative disease
• Neoplastic lesions
• Vascular (blood vessel) lesions

References:

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 713-736.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2305-2306.

• Review Date: 3/5/2007
• Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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