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Uncontrollable muscle movements, also known as involuntary movements, can occur in various forms, such as twitches, tremors, tics, jerks, or seizures. These movements can be quick and sudden or slow and twisting. While occasional involuntary movements are common, persistent or unusual symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition known as a movement disorder. Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal or slow movements due to damage or malfunction in the brain regions controlling movement. These disorders can affect voluntary actions and cause involuntary movements, impacting various body parts, including the hands, feet, facial muscles, head, and neck. Uncontrollable muscle movements can be triggered by various factors, including medical conditions, nerve damage, side effects of certain medications, or interactions between multiple conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment if uncontrollable muscle movements are a concern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Myoclonus |
| Description | Uncontrolled muscle movement that is sudden and brief |
| Types | Sleep myoclonus, startle reflexes, action myoclonus, epileptic myoclonus, opsoclonus myoclonus (OMS), cortical myoclonus, palatal myoclonus, middle ear myoclonus |
| Causes | Nervous system conditions, brain injuries, medicine, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, blood and body chemistry imbalances, side effects of drugs, Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, Tourette syndrome, Wilson disease, cerebral palsy |
| Symptoms | Twitching, spasms, tremors, jerks, twisting, shaking, problems with coordination and balance, trouble with certain movement tasks, difficulty walking, stiffness or rigidity of limbs and trunk, abnormal postures, repetitive clicking, cracking or thumping sounds in the ear, poor coordination, hand tremors, difficulty speaking, eating, sleeping, behavioural changes, decreased muscle tone |
| Treatment | Surgery, medication, getting enough sleep, avoiding stress, safety measures to avoid injury |
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Myoclonus
There are several types of myoclonus, including action myoclonus, which is triggered by voluntary movement or the intention to move; essential myoclonus, which occurs in the absence of epilepsy or other brain or nerve abnormalities; and stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, which is triggered by external stimuli such as noise, movement, light, or surprises. Sleep myoclonus, or hypnic myoclonus, occurs during sleep transitions, often as a person is falling asleep. Epileptic myoclonus is associated with epilepsy syndromes, such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and myoclonic-astatic epilepsy. Progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) is a rare and severe group of disorders characterised by myoclonus, epileptic seizures, and other neurological symptoms.
The diagnosis and treatment of myoclonus depend on the underlying cause and the specific type of myoclonus. While some cases of myoclonus may be harmless and resolve without intervention, others may be indicative of serious nervous system conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation if one experiences uncontrollable muscle movements.
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Dystonia
The name "dystonia" comes from the Latin prefix "dys-" and the Greek word "-tonos", which refers to muscle tension. It is a specific type of dyskinesia, which refers to movements that are faulty or occur in a way they shouldn't. With dystonia, muscles tense up for longer periods, often causing discomfort or pain.
The disorder can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities, with an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people affected in the United States alone. Dystonia can be classified into several types based on the areas of the body affected, including focal dystonia, segmental dystonia, multifocal dystonia, hemidystonia, and generalised dystonia. Focal dystonia is the most common type, affecting only one part of the body, such as the neck, eyes, jaw, vocal cords, or arms and legs.
While most cases of dystonia are treatable, especially when caused by an underlying condition, the disorder can range from a short-term concern to a lifelong issue. Treatment options may include medication or surgery, depending on the specific case and the patient's symptoms.
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Athetoid movements
Athetoid cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the basal ganglia and/or the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for regulating coordination and precision of movements, which are essential for fine motor skills and balance. When the cerebellum is damaged, balance and coordination become more challenging. The cerebellum is also an important part of cognitive functions, such as communication and attention.
There are several treatment approaches to dealing with athetoid movements, including drugs, surgical intervention, and retraining movements. While drugs can be used to treat the symptoms of athetoid movements, there is no single drug that is a standard among treatments. Surgical intervention can have an immediate impact but is not a cure. Retraining movements can be helpful in certain situations.
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Movement disorders
Uncontrollable muscle movements can be a symptom of a movement disorder. Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal movements, including increased movement (like spasms or shaking) and/or slow movement. These abnormal movements can affect one or more body parts, including the hands and fingers, feet and toes, facial muscles, head and neck, and trunk and posture.
There are several types of movement disorders, including:
- Tardive dyskinesia: This can result from taking antipsychotic medications for many years and can cause involuntary facial tics and uncontrollable movements like lip-smacking.
- Tourette syndrome: This is a neurological disorder that causes sudden movements or sounds (tics) and is often accompanied by anxiety, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Wilson disease: This rare genetic condition causes the body to accumulate too much copper, especially in the liver and brain, resulting in stiff muscles, tremors, and uncontrolled movements.
- Parkinson's disease: While the symptoms of movement disorders vary widely, Parkinson's disease is one of the most common movement disorders.
Uncontrollable muscle movements can also be a result of myoclonus, which refers to sudden, brief, involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. Myoclonus is not a disease itself but rather a clinical sign that can have various causes, including neurological disorders, epilepsy, and autoimmune diseases.
If you are experiencing uncontrollable muscle movements, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will perform a physical examination and evaluate your nervous and muscle systems, medical history, and symptoms. Treatment will depend on the specific movement problem and any underlying conditions.
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Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome
The symptoms of OMS usually begin abruptly and can include opsoclonus or "dancing eyes", jerking movements or myoclonus, and loss of balance or ataxia. Other symptoms include abnormal behaviours, sleep dysregulation, and difficulty talking. OMS may be initially diagnosed as acute cerebellar ataxia. The onset is usually abrupt, often severe, and it can become chronic.
The cause of opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome can differ by age. In young children, the cause of OMS in 50 to 80 percent of cases is a small, benign (not cancerous) tumour of nerve cells called a neuroblastoma or a ganglioneuroblastoma. The tumour is usually located in the chest or abdomen and is thought to cause the immune system to attack the nervous system. In other cases, OMS may be caused by viral infections, especially in older children and teens.
Most patients with OMS improve with standard immunotherapy treatment, which helps keep the body's immune system from attacking the brain. Treatment is typically started soon after diagnosis and can continue for at least one to two years. A combination of immunotherapies may be prescribed, including a high dose of corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and rituximab for moderate to severe cases. If OMS is caused by a tumour, surgery may be recommended to remove it. Tumours in young children usually do not require chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Physical and occupational therapy can also help speed up recovery.
Early treatment offers the best chance at a full recovery and appears to lower the rate of relapse and improve outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Myoclonus is a type of uncontrollable muscle movement that includes sudden, brief involuntary twitching, jerking, or spasms of a single muscle or a group of muscles. It can be harmless and happen for normal reasons, but it can also be a symptom of a serious nervous system condition.
Some examples of myoclonus include sleep myoclonus (hypnic jerks), startle reflexes, and palatal myoclonus. Sleep myoclonus occurs when you fall asleep or wake up, and startle reflexes are jump-like movements that occur when you're surprised or scared. Palatal myoclonus involves regular, rhythmic contractions of one or both sides of the rear of the roof of the mouth (soft palate).
Uncontrollable muscle movements can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders such as Tourette syndrome, Wilson disease, and Parkinson's disease. They can also be caused by side effects of certain medications, brain injuries, or interactions between multiple conditions or medications.
Movement disorders are characterised by abnormal movements that can be increased (such as spasms, jerking, or shaking) or decreased/slow. If you notice consistent changes in your movements, persistent symptoms, or problems with coordination and balance, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment.
Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), also known as Dancing Eyes-Dancing Feet Syndrome, is a rare disorder that affects the eyes and muscles. It causes irregular, rapid eye movements, jerking muscles in the arms or legs, poor coordination, hand tremors, and difficulty with speaking, eating, walking, and sleeping. OMS can be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the nervous system due to triggers such as tumours or infections.
