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Movement - uncontrollable

• Overview
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Uncontrolled movements; Involuntary body movements; Body movements - uncontrollable

Home Care:

Swimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help coordination and slow down the deterioration process.

Family support is important, and open discussion of feelings is recommended. Self-help groups are available in many communities, and physical therapy should be sought as necessary.

Call your health care provider if:

If there are any persistent involuntary movements that are unexplained, you should call your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting uncontrollable movement in detail may include:

• Does there seem to be prolonged muscle contractions causing the abnormal posture?
• Are the arms affected?
• Are the legs affected?
• When did this behavior begin?
• Did it occur suddenly?
• Has it been worsening gradually over months?
• Is it present continuously?
• At what age did this symptom begin?
• Is it worse after exercise?
• Is it worse when emotionally stressed?
• Is it better after sleep?
• What makes it better?
• What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination may include detailed examination of both the nervous and the muscular systems. It will be performed with emphasis on the neurological exam. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• CT scan or MRI of the head or affected area
• EEG
• Lumbar puncture
• Urinalysis
• Blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential )

Uncontrollable movements may be treated with various medications. This will be decided by the health care provider based on the constellation of symptoms and signs.

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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