A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Central nervous system
Central nervous system

Movement - uncontrollable
Definition:
Uncontrollable movements are slow, twisting, continuous, and involuntary movements of the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the body.

Alternative Names:
Uncontrolled movements; Involuntary body movements; Body movements - uncontrollable

Considerations:
This condition is usually a lifelong problem that begins during childhood and is characterized by involuntary neck, face, forearm, wrist, and hand movements. Facial grimaces along with tongue and jaw movements are often associated with involuntary neck movements.

Stress and activity often aggravate this condition, and relaxation and sleep help relieve the problem.
Common Causes:
IN CHILDRENIN ADULTS
  • Drug toxicity
  • Degenerative disease
  • Neoplastic lesions
  • Vascular (blood vessel) lesions
Home Care:
Swimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help coordination and slow down the deterioration process.

Family support is important, and open discussion of feelings is recommended. Self-help groups are available in many communities, and physical therapy should be sought as necessary.
Call your health care provider if:

If there are any persistent involuntary movements that are unexplained, you should call your health care provider.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting uncontrollable movement in detail may include:
  • Type
  • Location
    • Are the arms affected?
    • Are the legs affected?
  • Time pattern
    • When did this behavior begin?
    • Did it occur suddenly?
    • Has it been worsening gradually over months?
    • Is it present continuously?
    • At what age did this symptom begin?
  • Aggravating factors
    • Is it worse after exercise?
    • Is it worse when emotionally stressed?
  • Relieving factors
    • Is it better after sleep?
    • What makes it better?
  • Other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination may include detailed examination of both the nervous and the muscular systems. It will be performed with emphasis on the neurological exam. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Intervention:
Uncontrollable movements may be treated with various medications. This will be decided by the health care provider based on the constellation of symptoms and signs.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to uncontrollable movement to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 7/30/2001
Reviewed By: Galit Kleiner-Fisman MD, FRCP(C), Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com