Movement, uncontrollable

Alternative names:

body movements - uncontrollable; involuntary body movements; uncontrolled movements

Definition:

Slow, twisting, continuous, and involuntary movements of the arms, legs, face, neck, or other part of the body.

Considerations:

This condition is usually a lifelong problem that begins during childhood and is characterized by involuntary neck, face, forearm, wrist, and hand movements. Facial grimaces along with tongue and jaw movements are often associated with involuntary neck movements.

Stress and activity often aggravate this condition, and relaxation and sleep help relieve the problem.

Common causes:

IN CHILDREN

• hypoxia at birth
• genetic disorder
• kernicterus (excessive bilirubin in the central nervous system)

IN ADULTS

• drug toxicity
• degenerative disease
• neoplastic lesions
• vascular (blood vessel) lesions

Note: There may be other causes of uncontrollable movement. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for uncontrollable movement, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.