Movement disorders are a type of neurological, or brain, disorder that involves miscommunication between the brain and the muscles. This leads to abnormal movements that can be increased or decreased, as well as intentional or accidental.
Making movement relies on the proper functioning of the brain, spinal cord, nerves that run throughout the body, and the muscles themselves. Movement disorders result when an area of the brain that controls movement no longer functions well. While there are several disorders that cause a lack of movement or a weakening of the muscles entirely, these are not considered movement disorders. The key characteristic of movement disorders is abnormal, undesired movements.
Movement disorders have a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms of movement disorders, generally speaking, include:
Movement disorders usually arise due to brain damage to one or more centres of the brain that are needed for movement. These are the motor cortex (tells the body to move), the basal ganglia, cerebellum (both help with coordination), and thalamus (receives information about the outside world).
Infection, brain injury, genetic change, stroke, and side effects of medication can be the causes of damage -temporary or permanent- to these areas.
There are such a wide range of causes for movement disorders that it is difficult to identify risk factors. Having a parent with a movement disorder may make you more susceptible to inheriting that disorder if the disorder can be inherited.
Movement disorders can be hard to diagnose. Their symptoms often look like other, related disorders. For this reason, there are several tests that your doctor may choose to perform in addition to a detailed neurological and physical exam to make sure they are providing you with an accurate diagnosis.
These can include:
Movement disorders do not come with many complications. However, the effect movement disorders have on the people living with them can be severe. There is rarely an easy fix. Complications of movement disorders include:
There are several ways to treat and manage movement disorders that can help improve quality of life. There are several medications that are prescribed to help with movement disorders, and physical therapy and occupational therapy can help someone with a movement disorder learn how to do their tasks of living while working with their disorder and managing the pain.
Talk therapy can help with the mental side effects of living with a movement disorder and mobility aids, like a wheelchair or cane, are suggested to help those who have trouble walking safely. Botox injections and deep brain stimulation can also help with movement disorders. Botox injections help relax the muscles while deep brain stimulation – the use of low voltage electrical currents in certain areas of the brain- can help reduce tremors and jerks.