Movement Disorders

The term movement disorders refers to a group of nervous system (neurological) conditions that cause either increased movements or reduced or slow movements.

These movements may be voluntary or involuntary.

Common types of movement disorders include:

Ataxia. This movement disorder affects the part of the brain that controls coordinated movement. Ataxia may cause uncoordinated or clumsy balance, speech or limb movements, and other symptoms. There are many causes of ataxia, including genetic and degenerative disorders. Ataxia may also be caused by an infection or another treatable condition.

Cervical dystonia. In cervical dystonia, the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to pull to one side or to tilt forward or backward. There may be shaking.

Chorea. Chorea is characterized by repetitive, brief, irregular, somewhat rapid, involuntary movements. The movements typically involve the face, mouth, trunk and limbs. Chorea can look like exaggerated fidgeting.

Dystonia. This condition involves sustained involuntary muscle contractions with twisting, repetitive movements. Dystonia may affect the entire body or one part of the body.

Functional movement disorder. This condition may resemble any of the movement disorders. Functional movement disorder isn't due to neurological disease and is treatable.