movement disorders

Types of Movement Disorders

There are numerous types of movement disorders, each affecting the body in different ways. Here are some of the most common types:

• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive disorder that affects movement, often including tremors.
• Essential Tremor: A neurological disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking.
• Dystonia: Characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements or abnormal postures.
• Ataxia: Impairs balance and coordination, often due to damage to the cerebellum.
• Huntington's Disease: An inherited condition leading to the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement, mood, and cognitive skills.

Causes of Movement Disorders

Movement disorders can stem from a variety of causes, which may include genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. The following list outlines some well-known causes:

• Genetic Mutations: Many movement disorders, like Huntington's Disease, are caused by specific genetic mutations passed from parents to children.
• Infections: Some disorders can begin after certain viral or bacterial infections.
• Metabolic Imbalances: Conditions like Wilson's Disease arise from abnormal copper metabolism, affecting movement.
• Medications: Certain drugs, particularly those used for mental health disorders, can lead to drug-induced movement disorders.
• Stroke or Brain Injury: Damage to specific brain areas can result in movement disorders such as hemiparesis or dystonia.

Symptoms of Movement Disorders

Movement disorders exhibit a range of symptoms that can significantly affect daily life. These symptoms may vary based on the specific type of disorder and can be classified as either hyperkinetic (increased movement) or hypokinetic (decreased movement). Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of movement disorders are diverse and can include:

• Tremors: Involuntary shaking, which can occur in one or more parts of the body.
• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, commonly seen in Parkinson's Disease.
• Dystonia: Sustained involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements.
• Myoclonus: Sudden, brief muscle jerks, often seen in conditions like epilepsy or following infections.
• Chorea: Irregular, unpredictable movements, typical in Huntington's Disease.
• Rigidity: Stiffness and resistance to movement.

Functional Movement Disorder

Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) is a condition where abnormal movements occur without the clear neurological cause observed in other movement disorders. This distinguishes FMD from other disorders like Parkinson's or Huntington’s.

Understanding Functional Movement Disorder

FMD is characterized by movements that appear self-generated but are controllable to some degree, despite happening without conscious intent. This condition is often linked to psychological factors rather than solely physical causes.

FMD symptoms can be unpredictable and vary from person to person, often leading to confusion and misdiagnosis. Patients with FMD may also experience:

• Non-epileptic seizures: Seizure-like episodes not linked to epilepsy.
• Psychiatric symptoms: Such as anxiety or depression.
• Speech changes: Alterations in speech rhythm or tone.

Symptoms of Functional Movement Disorder

The symptoms of Functional Movement Disorder mirror those seen in neurological movement disorders but differ in their underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Tremors: Involuntary shaking of arms, legs, or other body parts.
• Limb weakness: Not due to muscle or nerve damage but can significantly affect mobility.
• Gait disturbances: Walking difficulties that can range from limping to complete loss of coordination.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) involves repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. These movements can disturb an individual's sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.

Causes of Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

The exact cause of PLMD is often unknown; however, several factors may contribute to it. Causes and risk factors can include:

• Genetic predisposition: A family history may increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
• Neurological disorders: PLMD is sometimes associated with conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, may trigger or exacerbate the symptoms.
• Iron deficiency: Low iron levels have been associated with PLMD, potentially due to impaired dopaminergic function.
• Stress: Stressful situations may exacerbate PLMD symptoms.