Definition

Uncontrollable movements include many types of movements that you cannot control. They can affect the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the body.

Examples of uncontrollable movements are:

• Loss of muscle tone (flaccidity)
• Slow, twisting, or continued movements (chorea, athetosis, or dystonia)
• Sudden jerking movements (myoclonus, ballismus)
• Uncontrollable repetitive movements (asterixis or tremor)

Alternative Names

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

Causes

There are many causes of uncontrolled movements. Some movements last only a short time. Others are due to a permanent condition of the brain and spinal cord and may get worse.

Some of these movements affect children. Others affect only adults.

Causes in children:

• Genetic disorder
• Kernicterus (too much bilirubin in the central nervous system after birth)
• Lack of oxygen (hypoxia) at birth

Causes in adults:

• Nervous system diseases
• Genetic disorder
• Medicines
• Stroke or brain injury
• Tumors
• Illicit drugs
• Head and neck trauma

Home Care

Physical therapy that includes swimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help with coordination and slow the damage. A home safety evaluation by a physical therapist may be helpful.

Take measures to make it easier and safer to move around at home. For example, get rid of clutter, leave wide walkways, and remove throw rugs or other objects that might cause slipping or falling. Make sure there is enough lighting at night.

People with this condition should be encouraged to take part in normal activities. Family members need to be patient with a person who has poor coordination. Take time to show the person ways to do tasks more easily. Take advantage of the person's strengths while avoiding their weaknesses.

Ask the health care provider whether walking aids, such as a cane or walker, would be helpful.

People with this disorder are prone to falls. Talk with the provider about measures to prevent falls.

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have any unexplained movements that you cannot control that do not go away.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will 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 weeks or 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 ordered include:

• Blood tests (such as metabolic panel and CBC)
• CT scan of the head or affected area
• EEG (brain wave study)
• Lumbar puncture
• MRI of the head or affected area
• Urinalysis

Treatment depends on the cause. Many uncontrollable movements are treated with medicines. Some symptoms may improve on their own. Your provider will make recommendations based on your signs and symptoms.

References

Jankovic J, Lang AE. Diagnosis and assessment of Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 24.

Okun MS, Lang AE. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 382.