Movement disorders describe a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormalities in the quality and quantity of spontaneous movements. While the clinical presentation ranges from an almost inability to move to severe constant and excessive movement, they are usually divided into groups primarily with excessive movement (hyperkinetic movement disorders) and those with diminished movements (bradykinetic movement disorders). These disorders affect the speed, quality and ease of movement, and do not lead to weakness or paralysis.

Commonly recognized adult movement disorders include Parkinson’s disease and Huntington disease. In children specific diseases are less commonly identified and the disorders are often described by the type of movement observed, such as dystonia, choreoathetosis and hemiballismus. Most adult and pediatric movement disorders are felt to result from abnormalities in the basal ganglia, which are groups of neurons deep in the brain linked in circuits and responsible for the planning and execution of movement.

Examples, Subsets and Synonyms for Movement Disorders

Ataxia
Cerebral Palsy
Choreoathetosis
Dystonia
Hypotonia
Kernicterus
Spasticity
Tourette Syndrome

Related Marcus Autism Center Clinical Programs

Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Center

Additional Resources:

WeMOVE
(www.wemove.org)

United Cerebral Palsy
(www.ucpa.org)

Medtronic
(www.medtronic.com)