W11: Involuntary Movement

Question 1

Pathophysiology. What structure controls voluntary movement? What else does it do?

What would dysfunction of it do?

Answer 1

Basal Ganglia facilitates voluntary movement and inhibits movements that are not desired.

Essentially it is the centre that refines movement (increases coordination & accuracy)

Question 2

What would happen if there was dysfunction of the basal ganglia?

Answer 2

Movement disorders characterised by impaired voluntary movement ie the presence of involuntary movement

Question 3

Clinical presentation: What is dystonia?

Answer 3

Involuntary movement due to uncontrolled oscillation of muscle tone. A syndrome dominated by sustained muscle contraction, frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements of abnormal postures

Question 4

Clinical presentation: What is tremor?

Answer 4

A rhythmic, involuntary oscillatory movement of a body joint (resting tremor, action tremor)

Question 5

Clinical presentation: What is choreiform movement?

Answer 5

Involuntary, rapid, irregular, and jerky movement that result from basal ganglia lesions.

Question 6

Clinical presentation: What is athetoid movement?

Answer 6

Slow involuntary writhing and twisting movements, usually involving the upper extremities

Question 7

Clinical assessment tools for involuntary movement?

Answer 7

Observation
Gait
Functional assessment eg walking, balance, reaching, etc

Question 8

Treatment?

Answer 8

• Compensation E.g. Reduce effort
• Accommodation E.g. distal fixing, limb weighting, holding stair rail etc