What is it about ?
Involuntary movements (dyskinesias) are movements that appear spontaneously, independently of our will. It can be a temporary and not serious phenomenon such as for example twitching in the limbs when falling asleep or hiccups, but it can also be a sign of an illness, whether serious or not. .
These movements are sometimes a sign of damage to the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord). Sometimes it’s a matter of genes and sometimes it’s drug side effects. Often it is not known where the problem is coming from and effective treatment is not always easy to find.
How to recognize them?
You see repeated movements, of varying magnitude, in one part of the body and you cannot control or stop them. There are several kinds of involuntary movements.
- Involuntary contractions (“dystonias”) called focal, that is to say, which occur only in a single muscle or in a particular muscle group. They can take place in different places:
- the neck (“cervical dystonia”);
- the hand, for example using a pencil or keyboard (this is the “writer’s cramp”);
- the face, eyelids or mouth, or the muscles that control the voice, which can result in a choked, broken or weak voice (“spasmodic dysphonia”).
- Involuntary contractions can also be generalized, all over the body. This problem is often inherited and begins in childhood.
- Chorea refers to rapid, arrhythmic movements and athetosis refers to twisting movements of the extremities of the arms and legs. These 2 abnormalities occur, among others, in Huntington’s disease and are often accompanied by brain damage.
- Sometimes involuntary movements are a side effect of medication. This is especially the case with antipsychotics and medicines for Parkinson’s disease. Metoclopramide, a medicine for vomiting, and some antidepressants can also cause them. Abnormalities may be temporary and go away when the drug is stopped. But sometimes they can persist. It can be quite localized muscle contractions, but also motor restlessness, we feel a compulsive need to move (akathisia).
- Hemiballism affects the muscles of the upper arms and thighs, which are “thrown” in a wide motion.
- Restless legs syndrome causes an unpleasant feeling in both legs, usually when going to sleep. The person cannot lie still in bed and has to get up regularly to walk.
- Tics are brief, compulsive movements, usually in the face or neck.
- the tremor can also be considered an involuntary movement.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor starts by listening to you, then performs a physical examination, focusing particularly on the nervous system. It may be helpful to show him some video footage that you have filmed. Reviewing your medications is important for detecting side effects.
What can you do ?
If you have mild symptoms, wait a bit. Often, involuntary movements go away as spontaneously as they first appeared. If they persist or are pronounced, consult the doctor.
What can your doctor do?
The approach he takes will depend greatly on the suspected cause of the involuntary movements. If this is a side effect of a drug, the doctor may adjust the dose or stop it. He may refer you to the neurologist.
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