Body Movement Disorder & Agitation

Body movement disorders and agitation are a group of neurological conditions where an individual's nervous system produces abnormal movements that are classified as either hyperkinetic (too much movement) or hypokinetic (too little movement). The areas of the brain that control movement are changed or damaged, making it very difficult for a person to control movement.

Dystonia

• Dystonia is a body movement disorder where muscles contract for sustained periods of time, causing painful spasms and forcing the body into abnormal postures. Muscles don't relax when at rest, resulting in involuntary spasms and twisted, repetitive movements. Scientists from The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (N.I.N.D.S.) believe the problem arises in the basal ganglia, the area of the brain that coordinates movement. There are roughly 13 different forms of dystonia, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe pain and disability. Estimates from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation are that "no less than 300,000 people in North America are affected."

Parkinson's Disease

• Parkinson's Disease occurs when the brain cells that make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that coordinates muscle function and plays a critical role in the central nervous system, become damaged or die and no longer produce dopamine. The four main symptoms of Parkinson's are trembling of hands, arms, legs and face; rigidity of the limbs and core muscles; slowness of movement (also called bradykinesia); and impaired balance and coordination. The degree of symptoms varies but Parkinson's is a progressive disorder. Symptoms tend to start gradually and increase over time. The tremors can interfere with tasks such as walking and talking.

Tourette Syndrome

• Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that manifests as involuntary, repetitive movements such as blinking, shrugging, jerking or grimacing. These movements are called tics. Tics can also involve punching oneself, swearing and repeating words or phrases over and over. Hyperactivity and impulsiveness are also symptoms of those with Tourette Syndrome. According to researchers at The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, symptoms tend to appear in childhood, reach their peak in the early teens and decrease into adulthood. But symptoms and severity vary with each individual.

Myoclonus

• Myoclonus is sudden, uncontrollable muscular jerking or twitching. One example is hiccups, when a muscle jerks suddenly and then relaxes. This mild form of Myoclonus occurs in healthy individuals and poses no health threats. Individuals with severe Myoclonus experience persistent involuntary movements and muscular contractions that feel like shocks occurring within the body. These movements can limit one's ability to walk, talk and eat and can indicate brain or nerve disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis.

Huntington's Disease

• Huntington's Disease is the degeneration of neurons in the brain caused by a gene mutation. A child of a parent who possesses a mutated gene has a 50 percent chance of inheriting that gene. Those with the mutated gene will eventually develop Huntington's Disease. The degeneration of neurons can lead to uncontrolled movements that make eating and swallowing difficult and result in impaired memory, concentration and decision-making abilities; and emotional difficulties, depression and irritability.