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Our body movements occur due to the complex interactions between the brain, nerves, spine and muscles. Any breakdown or malfunction of this complex interaction will result in impaired movement. Different types of motion disturbances depend on the location of the damage. Here are the 3 main areas where damage can occur:
- Damage to the part of the brain that controls movement can cause weakness or paralysis of muscles and excessive reflexes.
- Basal ganglia. This is a collection of nerve cells located at the base of the brain, the inner part of the brain, which controls the coordination of movements. Damage to this area will cause forced movement or reduced movement
- This is the part of the brain located at the back of the skull, which regulates coordination and muscle activity. Damage to this area will result in a loss of coordination and muscle activity.
There are many movement disorders that can be temporary, such as hiccups, or more permanent, such as Parkinson's disease. Here are the most common movement disorders you should be aware of:
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative slow progressive neurological disorder that causes loss of control over body movements. Some of the common symptoms are tremors when the muscles are resting (resting tremor), increased muscle tone (stiffness), slow movements, and difficulty maintaining balance (postural instability).
The main cause of Parkinson's disease is the loss of dopamine produced by brain cells, also known as substantia nigra. This is located in the middle of the brain. Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for muscle movement and coordination. When the substantia nigra deteriorates, less dopamine is produced. This interferes with the response to signals from your brain to your muscles.
Parkinson's disease can be frustrating for patients and their families. Unpredictable movements and extremes in movement control make it difficult to organize daily routine activities. Activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating can be difficult
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive movements and / or loud sounds, also known as tic . This disorder is most commonly seen in children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. This is a common disorder that affects more men than women.
Tourette's syndrome usually begins with a muscle jolt such as a jerk of the head, constant blinking and grimacing. Then the symptoms can develop to be more intense. This may include vocal speech, hitting, kicking, and sudden shortness of breath. Vowels can be difficult to control and embarrassing, especially in public. Since most people don't understand what Tourette's syndrome is, vocal speech when the syndrome is recurring can be considered an intentional act. Vowels usually take the form of grunting, shouting, and barking.
Spasticity
Spasticity occurs when there is an increase in muscle contraction which causes your muscles to become stiff and tense. This can interfere with movement, speech, and walking. Spasticity is caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movements. Damage can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, severe head injury or metabolic diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Essential tremor
Essential tremor is not a life-threatening disease, but it can have a negative impact on your life. Essential tremor is uncontrolled rhythmic shaking of a part of the body. Most commonly, it affects the hands, arms, or head. This condition is caused by abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain and is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease.
Perhaps the most common neurological movement disorder, essential tremor is thought to affect as many as 14,000 people throughout Australia and New Zealand. For the most part, it is a slow progressive disorder. Many may have no progress, only mild tremors for the rest of their lives.
Unlike tremors associated with Parkinson's disease which persist even when muscles are inactive, essential tremor symptoms are absent or diminished during periods of rest. Tremors usually go away completely during sleep.
Essential tremors can be embarrassing and debilitating. Some people may experience tremors in association with other neurological symptoms, such as imbalance walking.
Dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by muscle contractions, usually by producing circular and repetitive movements, or abnormal postures and positions. Dystonia is caused by damage to the basal ganglia. Uncontrolled movements can affect the arms, legs, eyelids, and vocal cords. This may cause you to suddenly freeze up in the middle of an activity.
Dystonia may result from a genetic mutation (primary dystonia) or a disorder or due to drugs (secondary dystonia). Some of the drugs that can cause dystonia include antipsychotic drugs.
If you have signs of movement disorders, you should tell your doctor right away. It is important to detect it early in order to get a better prognosis.
