Movement - uncontrollable

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Central nervous system

Uncontrolled movements; Involuntary body movements; Body movements - uncontrollable; Dyskinesia; Athetosis; Myoclonus; Ballismus

Physical therapy that includes swimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help with coordination and slow the damage.

Family support is important. It helps to openly discuss your feelings. Self-help groups are available in many communities. Try physical therapy as needed.

Call your health care provider if you have any unexplained movements that you cannot control and that don't go away.

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The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. You may have a detailed examination of both the nervous and muscle systems.

Medical history questions may include:

• Are there muscle contractions that may be causing the abnormal posture?
• Are the arms affected?
• Are the legs affected?
• When did this movement begin?
• Did it occur suddenly?
• Has it been getting worse slowly over months?
• Is it present all the time?
• Is it worse after exercise?
• Is it worse when you are stressed?
• Is it better after sleep?
• What makes it better?
• What other symptoms are present?

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential)
• CT scan of the head or affected area
• EEG
• Lumbar puncture
• MRI of the head or affected area
• Urinalysis

Treatment will depend on the cause. Many uncontrollable movements may be treated with medications. At other times, symptoms may improve on their own. Your health care provider will make recommendations based on your signs and symptoms.

Review Date: 02/05/2011
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. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).