Motor disorder
Motor disorders are disorders of the nervous system that cause abnormal and involuntary movements. They can result from damage to the motor system.
Motor disorders are defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – published in 2013 to replace the fourth text revision – as a new sub-category of neurodevelopmental disorders. The DSM-5 motor disorders include developmental coordination disorder, stereotypic movement disorder, and tic disorders including Tourette syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Motor disorders are malfunctions of the nervous system that cause involuntary or uncontrollable movements or actions of the body. These disorders can cause lack of intended movement or an excess of involuntary movement. Symptoms of motor disorders include tremors, jerks, twitches, spasms, contractions, or gait problems.Tremor is the uncontrollable shaking of an arm or a leg. Twitches or jerks of body parts may occur due to a startling sound or unexpected, sudden pain. Spasms and contractions are temporary abnormal resting positions of hands or feet. Spasms are temporary while contractions could be permanent. Gait problems are problems with the way one walks or runs. This can mean an unsteady pace or dragging of the feet along with other possible irregularities.
Through the process of several healthcare professionals can help in diagnosing motor disorders. Neurological examinations can be made to identify motor disorders. This can be done through MRI or CT or electromyography, which are tests done to evaluate the function of muscles and nerves.
Common Types of Motor Disorders
Ataxia is a common type of movement disorder that affects an individual's balance through uncoordinated movement of the arms and legs, as well as affecting their speech.Chorea is another common type of movement disorder that causes rapid and involuntary movements that occur irregularly. Huntington's disease is the most common type of genetic chorea.
Dystonia is caused by intermittent muscle contractions and head tremors. This leads to abnormal or repetitive movements or posture
Functional Movement Disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal and involuntary movements; however FMD is not caused by an underlying neurological disease. Functional movement disorder is not chronic and can be treated.
Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disorder that has no known cause. MSA affects an individual's movement, sense of balance, and the regulation of body functions. Low blood pressure, irregular bowel and bladder control, and breathing issues.