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Movement Disorders: Types, Symptoms & Treatments

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: January 25, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. What are Movement Disorders?

  2. Types of Abnormal Movements

    1. Hypokinetic Movement

    2. Hyperkinetic Movement

  3. Types of Movement Disorders

  4. Symptoms of Movement Disorders

  5. Causes of Movement Disorders

  6. Treatments of Movement Disorders

Many neurological conditions include movement disorders. These disorders can make it challenging to walk or perform everyday tasks. In this post, we will explain the different types of movement disorders. We will also explore their symptoms and treatments.

What are Movement Disorders?

Movement disorders are any neurological disorders that impact how a person moves. As you will read below, there are a variety of movement disorders with a range of different causes.

Types of Abnormal Movements

There are two types of abnormal movements: hypokinetic movements, and hyperkinetic movements.

Hypokinetic Movement

This term refers to when movement is reduced. Some related terms include bradykinesia, which is slowed movement, and akinesia, which is when movement is not occurring at all. Sometimes, hypokinetic movements are referred to as “parkinsonisms,” as they are common in Parkinson’s disease. “Bradykinesia” is considered the umbrella for all of these reduced forms of movement.

Hyperkinetic Movement

Hyperkinetic movements are unwanted, involuntary movements, also called “dyskinesias.” These types of movements most commonly show up in pediatric disorders.

Types of Movement Disorders

Now that you know about hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement types, let’s go over some specific types of movement disorders.

  • Ataxia: This condition makes it hard to control movements, leading to clumsiness and lack of coordination and balance. 
  • Chorea: Chorea produces involuntary repetitive movements similar to fidgeting. Huntington’s disease is a common cause.
  • Dystonia: Patients with dystonia experience involuntary contractions in their muscles.
  • Functional movement disorders: This is a type of movement disorder that is not caused by a structural condition. Psychological factors tend to be involved.
  • Parkinson’s disease: This disease slows and stops movements, and also produces stiffness and tremors. 
  • Tourette syndrome: This condition begins during childhood and adolescence, and causes tics. 
  • Tremor: This is any condition that produces rhythmic shaking. Essential tremor is the most prevalent form of tremor. 

This is not a comprehensive list of all movement disorders. There are other types of movement disorders as well.


Symptoms of Movement Disorders

Some common symptoms of movement disorders include:

  • Abnormal movements: The core feature of movement disorders involves abnormal and involuntary movements.
  • Loss of balance and coordination: Trips and falls may be more likely as a result.
  • Speech and swallowing: Movement disorders can make both of these more challenging.
  • Problems walking: Patients can develop problems with their gait, and have a harder time getting around.

Jan 25, 2025

Causes of Movement Disorders

Here are some common causes of movement disorders:

  • Genetics: Altered genes can result in inherited movement disorders such as Wilson’s disease or Huntington’s disease.
  • Medical conditions: Multiple sclerosis, thyroid conditions, viral encephalitis, and stroke are among the health conditions that can cause movement disorders. 
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin B1, B12 or E can cause movement disorders.
  • Drug use: Alcoholism, cocaine use, and the use of certain antipsychotic and antiseizure medications are associated with movement disorders.

Treatments of Movement Disorders

The treatment for a movement disorder depends on the cause. If there is an underlying condition, treating that condition is essential. Your doctor may prescribe medications or may recommend physical therapy, speech therapy, and/or occupational therapy.

As part of your physical therapy, you may need to practice walking to improve or maintain your gait.

To maximize your safety and comfort as you walk with a movement disorder, it is a smart idea to wear shoes that can increase your stability and support a healthy gait.

The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes feature patented variable friction technology. This technology allows your feet to “glide” over uneven surfaces, reducing your chances of tripping and falling. See our full collection of shoes for seniors.

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FAQ

How are movement disorders diagnosed?

Doctors will start with a physical exam and a detailed patient history. Based on their findings, they may need to run additional tests. These may include blood tests, imaging tests, and/or genetic tests. Differential diagnosis can be challenging with movement disorders.

What causes movement disorders?

Movement disorders can have a range of different causes, including genetics, medicine or drug use, vitamin deficiencies, medical conditions, or head trauma.

Can movement disorders be cured?

That depends on the type of movement disorder the patient has. Usually, no, they cannot be cured. There are some exceptions, however. It is also possible to manage movement disorders through treatments and lifestyle changes, including walking with therapeutic shoes.

What are the warning signs of a movement disorder?

Slowed or reduced movements, an inability to move, or involuntary movements may all point toward a movement disorder, especially if it is a pattern that persists.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator.

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