What are Movement Disorders?
Movement disorders refer to a group of neurological conditions that affect speed, fluency, quality and ease of movement. The brain sends electrical and chemical signals through nerves to the muscles. This tells the muscles when to contract, relax or stay still. When the parts of the brain that control these signals become damaged or start to degenerate, the result can be either a lack of movement or an excess of abnormal, involuntary movements.
Although presenting differently than in adults, movement disorders in children can also occur. In paediatric cases, these are mostly related to cerebral palsy, genetic conditions or acquired brain injuries. For adults, the most recognised neurological movement disorder is Parkinson's disease, but there are many others, including essential tremor, dystonia and Huntington's disease. These conditions tend to be progressive, which means symptoms worsen over time. The right treatment plan can significantly improve quality of life.
In clinical settings, Parkinson's disease is the most frequent disease seen. It results from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. Slowness of movement, stiffness, resting tremor and problems with balance and walking are the ways in which symptoms manifest.
Essential tremor is another disorder that causes a rhythmic shaking during activities like writing or holding a cup, usually in the hands. It's often mistaken for Parkinson's, but it is a separate condition.
Dystonia expresses as sustained or repetitive muscle contractions. This leads to twisting movements or abnormal postures. It can affect a single body part, like the neck or an eyelid or be more generalised.
Huntington's disease is an inherited disorder that causes chorea. This is seen as jerky, dance-like movements accompanied by cognitive and psychiatric decline.
Restless legs syndrome creates an irresistible urge to move the legs which often disrupts sleep as it happens in the evening or at night.
Tourette syndrome is a tic disorder and like all other tic disorders produces sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or vocalisations.
