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Movement Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Brain Nerves

Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are a group of neurologic conditions that cause either increased, involuntary movement or decreased, slow voluntary movement.

Overview

Movement disorders are neurologic conditions that cause problems with movement, including:

  • Increased movement that can be voluntary (intentional) or involuntary (unintended)
  • Decreased or slow voluntary movement

Common Types

There are many different movement disorders. Some of the more common types include:

  • Ataxia: The loss of muscle coordination.
  • Dystonia: A condition in which involuntary contractions of your muscles cause twisting and repetitive movements, which can be painful.
  • Huntington's disease: An inherited disease that causes nerve cells in certain parts of the brain, including those that help control voluntary movement, to waste away.
  • Parkinson's disease: A disorder that slowly worsens over time, causing tremors, slowness of movement, and trouble walking.
  • Tourette syndrome: A condition that causes people to make sudden twitches, movements, or sounds (tics).
  • Tremor and essential tremor: Conditions that cause involuntary trembling or shaking movements in one or more parts of your body.

Causes

Causes of movement disorders include:

  • Genetics
  • Infections
  • Medicines
  • Damage to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Stroke and vascular diseases
  • Toxins

Treatment & Management

Treatment varies by disorder. While medicines can cure some disorders and others improve when an underlying disease is treated, there is often no cure. In such cases, the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and relieve pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs can be subtle and vary widely depending on the specific disorder. They might include persistent tremors, unexplained clumsiness, difficulty with balance or walking, muscle stiffness, involuntary jerking movements, or changes in speech or handwriting. You should seek medical attention if you notice new or worsening involuntary movements, unexplained slowness, or any persistent difficulty with coordination or balance, as early diagnosis can help manage symptoms effectively.
Beyond medication, several strategies can help improve quality of life. These include regular physical therapy to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance; occupational therapy to adapt daily tasks and improve independence; speech therapy for communication difficulties; and dietary adjustments, such as a balanced diet and adequate hydration. Stress management techniques, sufficient sleep, and participation in support groups can also play a significant role in managing symptoms and emotional well-being.
No, not all movement disorders are inherited. While genetics are a cause for some, like Huntington's disease or certain types of dystonia, many others result from different factors such as stroke, infection, medication side effects, or unknown causes. If there's a family history of a specific movement disorder, especially in close relatives, discussing this with your doctor is important. They may recommend genetic counseling or specific genetic tests to assess your family's risk for certain conditions.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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