Movement - Unpredictable Or Jerky
Definition
Jerky body movements is a condition in which people make fast movements that they cannot control and that have no purpose. These movements interrupt their normal movement or posture.
Alternative Names
Jerky body movements; Chorea; Muscle - jerky movements (uncontrolled); Hyperkinetic movements
Considerations
Typical movements of chorea include:
This condition can affect one or both sides of the body.
These movements do not usually repeat. They can look like they are being done on purpose, although they are not under the person's control. A person with chorea may look jittery or restless.
Common Causes
There are many possible causes of unpredictable, jerky movements, including:
Huntington's disease
Sydenham chorea
Wilson's disease
Other rare disorders
Some medical illnesses that can cause chorea include:
Anti-cardiolipin antibody syndrome
Disorders of calcium, glucose, or sodium metabolism
Polycythemia rubra vera
Stroke
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Thyroid disease
Other possible causes of chorea include:
Benign hereditary chorea (an inherited condition) -- rarely
Pregnancy (chorea gravidarum)
Tardive dyskinesia (a condition that can be caused by medications such as antipsychotic drugs)
References
Jankovic J, Lang AE. Movement disorders: diagnosis and assessment. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 23.
Lang A. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 434.
Subramony SH. Ataxic disorders. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 22.
Review Date: 2/5/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Jerky body movements; Chorea; Muscle - jerky movements (uncontrolled); Hyperkinetic movements
Home Care
Treatment is aimed at the cause of the movements.
If the movements are due to medication, the drug should be stopped, if possible.
If the movements are due to a medical disease, the disorder should be treated.
If the movements are severe and affect the person's life, medications such as amantadine or tetrabenazine may help control them.
Excitement and fatigue can make chorea worse. Rest improves chorea. Try to reduce emotional stress.
Safety measures should also be taken to prevent injury from the involuntary movements.
Call your health care provider if
Call your health care provider if you have unexplained body motions that are unpredictable and do not go away.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include:
- What kind of movement occurs?
- What part of the body is affected?
- What other symptoms are present?
- Is there irritability?
- Is there weakness or paralysis?
- Is there restlessness?
- Is there emotional instability?
- Are there facial tics?
The health care provider may do a detailed examination of both the nervous and the muscle systems. Tests that may be performed include:
- Blood work such as a complete blood count (CBC) or blood differential
- CT scan of the head or affected area
- EEG (rarely)
- Lumbar puncture
- MRI of the head or affected area
- Urinalysis
Unpredictable movements may be treated with different medications. Your health care provider will decide which medicine to use based on your symptoms and signs.
References
Jankovic J, Lang AE. Movement disorders: diagnosis and assessment. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 23.
Lang A. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 434.
Subramony SH. Ataxic disorders. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 22.
Review Date: 2/5/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 2/5/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.