Hyperkinetic Movements

• Myoclonus

  • Rapid, brief, jerky movements that usually impact multiple different muscles (e.g., hiccups, hypnic jerks).
  • Seen in: Epilepsy, metabolic disorders (e.g., renal/hepatic failure), neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s), or post-hypoxic states.

• Tics

  • Very brief movements that are not rhythmic.
  • Usually the same movement each time (e.g., blinking, head-turning).
  • Seen in: Tourette syndrome, transient tic disorder, or neurodevelopmental disorders.

• Tremor

  • Rhythmic oscillation.
  • Characterized based on occurrence during action or rest.
  • Seen in: Essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety.

• Chorea

  • Jerky movements that flow between muscle groups (i.e., dance-like).
  • Often incorporated into voluntary movements.
  • Seen in: Huntington’s disease, Sydenham’s chorea (rheumatic fever), or Wilson’s disease.

• Dystonia

  • Sustained muscle contraction resulting in abnormal posture.
  • Focal (e.g., cervical dystonia) or generalized (e.g., tardive dyskinesia).
  • Sensory tricks to alleviate symptoms
  • Seen in: Genetic dystonias (e.g., DYT1), Parkinson disease, or tardive dyskinesia (antipsychotic-induced).

• Hemiballism

  • Large-amplitude, unilateral, flinging movements. Like throwing something away
  • Seen in: Stroke (contralateral subthalamic nucleus lesion), hyperglycemia, or infections (e.g., HIV).