Choreoathetosis

Alternative names

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

Definition

Uncontrolled or slow movement is defined as an impairment of the muscle tone (usually in large muscle groups), causing slow involuntary contractions of the head, limbs, trunk, or neck.

Considerations

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, hepatic encephalopathy, and Huntington's chorea.

The abnormal movement may be reduced or disappear during sleep, but it is worsened by emotional stress. Abnormal and sometimes grotesque postures may be a manifestation of these movements.

Common Causes

• Encephalitis
  
• Hepatic encephalopathy
  
• Medication side effects
  
• Cerebral palsy
  
• Genetic disease
  

Home Care
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.

Call your health care provider if

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

What to expect at your health care provider's office
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting uncontrolled-slow movement in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  o When did you develop this problem?
  o How long have you had it?
  o Is it always the same?
  o Is it always present or only occasionally?
  o Is it getting worse?
  
• Aggravating factors
  o Is it worse after exercise?
  o Is it worse during times of emotional stress?
  o Has there been any injury or accident recently?
  o Has there been any illness recently?