What are the common causes of movement disorders?

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the body's ability to move normally, causing either an excess of movement (voluntary or involuntary) or slowness of voluntary movement. These disorders vary in their causes and symptoms, encompassing conditions such as tremors, dystonia, and gait difficulties. Understanding the underlying causes of these disorders is a first step toward appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Neurological Causes and Brain Damage

Neurological causes and brain damage are major factors leading to movement disorders. Damage to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves can lead to issues with coordination and muscle control [1]. For example, Parkinson's disease is a disorder that worsens slowly over time, causing tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and walking difficulties; it results from damage to specific nerve cells in the brain [1]. Likewise, strokes and vascular diseases can cause brain damage leading to movement disorders [1].

Genetic Factors

Genetics play a significant role in many movement disorders. Some of these disorders are hereditary, where defective genes are passed from parents to children [3]. For example, Huntington's disease is a genetic condition that causes the degeneration of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain, including those that help control voluntary movement [1]. Action Myoclonus-Renal Failure (AMRF) syndrome is another rare condition inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, where both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene for the condition to manifest in the child [2], [3]. Mutations in the SCARB2 gene cause this syndrome, leading to movement problems that may begin as involuntary tremors in the fingers and hands and worsen to include sudden muscle jerks [2].

Other Factors

Beyond neurological and genetic causes, several other factors can contribute to the onset of movement disorders. These factors include infections, which can affect the nervous system and cause movement problems [1]. Additionally, some medications can cause movement disorders as side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia, which causes repetitive involuntary movements [1], [3]. Metabolic disorders and exposure to toxins are also potential causes that can affect brain and nerve functions, leading to movement issues [1].

When to Seek Medical Help

If you are experiencing new tremors, involuntary muscle spasms, difficulty walking, or any unexplained changes in your movement, it is essential to consult a physician. These symptoms may indicate a movement disorder requiring careful evaluation and diagnosis. In some cases, such as Action Myoclonus-Renal Failure (AMRF) syndrome, severe seizures or myoclonus can be life-threatening and require emergency medical care [2]. Early diagnosis allows for a treatment plan aimed at improving symptoms and relieving pain, even in cases for which there is no cure [1]. For more information on these conditions, you can visit our article on Movement Disorders: Understanding Tremors, Spasms, and Walking Difficulties (Arabic).

Medical references

• Movement Disorders
• Action myoclonus–renal failure syndrome
• Glossary of Neurological Terms