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Movement - unpredictable or jerky

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Alternative Names   

Jerky body movements; Chorea; Muscle - jerky movements (uncontrolled)

Definition    Return to top

Jerky body movements is a condition in which uncontrolled, purposeless, rapid motions interrupt normal movement or posture.

Considerations    Return to top

Typical movements of chorea (called tics) include facial grimacing, raising and lowering the shoulders, bending and extending the fingers and toes. The condition can affect one or both sides of the body.

These involuntary movements are generally not repetitive and can appear purposeful even though they are involuntary and uncontrollable. A person with chorea may be viewed as jittery or restless.

Causes    Return to top

There are many possible causes of unpredictable, jerky movements, including Sydenham's chorea, Huntington disease and other rare disorders. Some medical illnesses that can cause chorea include anti-cardiolipin antibody syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, polycythemia rubra vera, stroke, thyroid disease, and disorders of calcium, glucose or sodium metabolism.

Some medications such as anti-psychotic drugs, may cause tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder which may include choreic movements. Rarely, it is inherited in the syndrome called benign hereditary chorea. Some women may develop chorea when pregnant. This is called chorea gravidarum.

Home Care    Return to top

Therapy is aimed at identifying and treating the underlying cause. If it is due to medication, the drug should be discontinued if possible. If it is due to medical disease, the disorder should be treated. If the movements are severe and disruptive, medications such as amantadine or tetrabenazine may help control the movements.

Rest helps improve chorea, which can be aggravated by excitement or fatigue. Emotional stress should be minimized.

Safety measures should also be taken to decrease the likelihood of injury from the involuntary movements.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your provider if there is any persistent, unexplained, and uncontrollable bodily motions.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting this symptom in detail may include:

The physical examination should include an extensive neurological and muscular system examination.

References    Return to top

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 713-736.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2305-2306.

Update Date: 3/5/2007

Updated by: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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