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Uncontrolled or slow movement is defined as a problem with muscle tone, usually in large muscle groups, that leads to slow involuntary contractions of the head, limbs, trunk, or neck.

See also:

• Movement - unpredictable or jerky
• Stereotypic movement disorder
• Tremor
• Uncoordinated movement
• Uncontrollable movements

The slow sinuous twisting movements of muscles (athetosis) or sustained muscle contraction (dystonia) may be caused by a number of conditions, including cerebral palsy, encephalitis, drug side effects, a liver disease called hepatic encephalopathy, and Huntington's chorea.

Additionally, there are situations where two conditions, for example both a brain injury and a medication, interact to cause the abnormal movement when neither alone would cause a problem.

The abnormal movement may be reduced or disappear during sleep, but emotional stress makes it worse. Abnormal and sometimes grotesque postures may occur because of these movements.

• Encephalitis
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Medication side effects
• Cerebral palsy
• Genetic diseases
• Stroke

Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive stress. In severe cases, take safety measures to avoid injury. Follow prescribed therapy for treatment of the underlying cause.

• There is unexplained dystonia.
• The problem is getting worse.
• Uncontrolled movements are accompanied by other symptoms.

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The physical examination may include a detailed examination of the nervous and muscular systems.

The doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• When did you develop this problem?
• How long have you had it?
• Is it always the same?
• Is it always present or only occasionally?
• Is it getting worse?
• Is it worse after exercise?
• Is it worse during times of emotional stress?
• Has you been injured or in an accident recently?
• Has you been sick recently?
• Is it better after you sleep?
• Does anyone else in your family have a similar problem?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• What medications are you taking?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• CT scan or MRI of the head or affected area
• EEG
• Lumbar puncture
• Urinalysis
• Blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential)
• Genetic studies known gene abnormalities
• EMG and nerve conduction velocity studies (occasionally done)

Dystonia; Involuntary slow and twisting movements; Choreoathetosis; Leg and arm movements - uncontrollable; Arm and leg movements - uncontrollable; Slow involuntary movements of large muscle groups; Athetoid movements

Fahn S. Hypokinesia and hyperkinesia. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 16.

Lang A. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 434.

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.