Movement disorders are conditions that affect a person's ability to move normally. These disorders can have various causes and manifestations, and can affect both the quantity and quality of a person's movements. In this article, we will explore the 7 most common types of movement disorders, their distinctive characteristics, and the symptoms that people who suffer from them may experience.
1. Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements or abnormal postures. These contractions can be sustained or intermittent, and generally affect one or several parts of the body. Dystonia can be focal, affecting a single part of the body, or generalized, affecting multiple parts.
Symptoms:
- Involuntary muscle torsion or contraction.
- Abnormal postures or unusual body positions.
- Pain associated with abnormal movements.
2. Tremor
Tremor is a type of rhythmic and involuntary movement that can affect various parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, head or legs. There are different types of tremors, such as resting tremor, action tremor, and postural tremor. Tremor can be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms:
- Rhythmic, involuntary movements.
- Increased Tremor with stress or movement.
- Reduction of tremor at rest.
3. Choreoathetosis
Choreoathetosis is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, irregular, sudden, and patternless movements. These movements can be both choreic, fast and spasmodic, and athetotic, slow and sinuous. Choreoathetosis can affect the entire body or specific parts, such as the face, hands or feet.
Symptoms:
- Irregular, unpatterned involuntary movements.
- Alterations in posture and gait.
- Difficulty controlling movements.
4. Nervous tics
Nervous tics are sudden, involuntary movements that occur intermittently. These tics can be motor, such as blinking or facial movements, or vocal, such as grunting or repetitive words. Nervous tics are usually triggered by stressful situations and can temporarily disappear during moments of relaxation or concentration.
Symptoms:
- Sudden and involuntary movements.
- Sense of tension before performing the tic.
- Temporary relief after completing the tic.
5. Myoclonus
Myoclonus are rapid, involuntary muscle twitches that can affect one part of the body or be generalized. These jerks can be single or repetitive, and their origin can be in the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, or the muscles themselves. Myoclonus can manifest as subtle movements or as intense and sudden jerks.
Symptoms:
- Rapid, involuntary muscle movements.
- They begin suddenly and can last several seconds.
- They can be triggered by external stimuli.
6. Ataxia
Ataxia is a movement disorder characterized by lack of coordination of muscle movements. People with ataxia may experience difficulty walking, speaking, swallowing, or making fine, precise movements. Ataxia can result from damage to the cerebellum or cerebellar connections, and can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as injuries, genetic diseases, or degenerative disorders.
Symptoms:
- Poor coordination of muscle movements.
- Imbalance and difficulties walking straight.
- Tremors in voluntary movements.
7. Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a movement disorder characterized by an unpleasant sensation in the legs, which is experienced as an urgent need to move them. This sensation usually worsens at rest, especially at night, and can interfere with the sleep of the person who suffers from it. Restless legs syndrome can be caused by iron deficiencies, dopamine insufficiencies, or other medical conditions.
Symptoms:
- Unpleasant sensations in the legs, such as tingling or shooting. .
- Urge to move the legs to relieve the sensations.
- Symptoms that worsen at rest or at night.
In conclusion, the Movement disorders can have a significant impact on the quality of life of people who suffer from them. It is essential to carry out an adequate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders to improve the quality of life and well-being of patients. If you experience persistent symptoms of movement disorders, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to receive a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan.