Athetosis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Athetosis is a rare movement disorder that affects muscle control, leading to involuntary writhing movements in the hands, fingers, and sometimes the feet or face. These movements are often slow and twisting, giving the appearance of a continuous flow. Athetosis is typically caused by damage to the brain's basal ganglia, a region responsible for coordinating movement. This damage can be due to various factors, such as brain injury at birth, certain infections, or genetic conditions. The condition disrupts the brain's ability to regulate muscle tone, resulting in the characteristic involuntary movements seen in athetosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Athetosis

People with athetosis may experience difficulty controlling their limbs, making it challenging to perform precise tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt. These movements can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, and trunk. Additionally, individuals with athetosis may have trouble speaking clearly due to the involuntary muscle contractions. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

Involuntary writhing movements in the fingers, hands, and toes are common symptoms of athetosis.
Athetosis can cause difficulty maintaining a stable posture due to continuous twisting and turning movements.
Individuals with athetosis may experience challenges with fine motor skills, impacting tasks like writing or buttoning clothes.
Speech difficulties, such as slurred or irregular speech patterns, can be a symptom of athetosis.
Athetosis may lead to difficulties controlling facial expressions, resulting in involuntary grimacing or facial contortions.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Athetosis

The main causes of athetosis can be attributed to damage or dysfunction in the basal ganglia, a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in controlling voluntary movements. This damage can result from various factors, including birth injuries, brain trauma, infections, or certain genetic conditions. Additionally, some cases of athetosis may be linked to conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke, further complicating the motor control pathways in the brain.

Brain injury during birth can lead to athetosis, a condition characterized by involuntary writhing movements affecting limbs and face.
Genetic disorders such as Wilson's disease can cause athetosis by affecting the basal ganglia, leading to abnormal muscle control.
Certain infections like encephalitis or meningitis can result in athetosis due to inflammation in the brain affecting movement coordination.
Stroke or other vascular issues can damage the brain's blood supply, triggering athetosis symptoms such as uncontrollable twisting movements.
Exposure to toxins like carbon monoxide can damage the brain, manifesting as athetosis symptoms such as slow, involuntary, and twisting motions in affected individuals.

Types Of Athetosis

Athetosis is a type of movement disorder characterized by involuntary, slow, writhing movements. There are two main types of athetosis: Chorea-athetosis, which involves a combination of irregular, jerky movements (chorea) and slow, twisting movements (athetosis), and Dystonic-athetosis, which combines the twisting and writhing movements of athetosis with sustained muscle contractions causing abnormal postures (dystonia). These types of athetosis can vary in severity and affect different parts of the body, leading to challenges in movement control and coordination. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial in improving the quality of life for individuals with athetosis.

Hemiballismus Athetosis is a rare condition that involves sudden, wild flinging motions, often affecting one side of the body.
Basal ganglia Athetosis involves abnormal, slow, twisting movements due to dysfunction in the basal ganglia of the brain.
Cerebral palsy Athetosis is a form of cerebral palsy characterized by slow, involuntary writhing movements.
Athetoid cerebral palsy is a specific type of cerebral palsy that includes athetosis as a primary symptom.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of athetosis is often unknown, several risk factors can contribute to its development. These may include brain injuries, such as those occurring during birth or due to trauma, certain genetic conditions, infections affecting the central nervous system, and exposure to toxins or certain medications. Additionally, conditions like cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders can also increase the risk of developing athetosis. Understanding these risk factors is crucial in the diagnosis and management of this challenging condition.

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of athetosis.
Brain injuries, such as stroke or trauma, can increase the risk of athetosis.
Certain infections or illnesses affecting the brain may contribute to the development of athetosis.
Exposure to toxins or environmental factors can be a risk factor for athetosis.
Premature birth or complications during birth can elevate the likelihood of athetosis.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Athetosis

This may include a thorough medical history review, physical examination to assess involuntary movements, and neurological tests to evaluate motor function. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans can help identify any underlying brain abnormalities. Blood tests may also be conducted to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. Additionally, genetic testing could be considered in certain cases to determine if there is a hereditary component. Overall, the diagnostic process for athetosis aims to accurately identify the condition through a combination of clinical assessments and diagnostic tests to inform appropriate treatment strategies.

Diagnosis of athetosis typically involves a thorough medical history review and physical examination by a healthcare professional.
Neurological assessments may be conducted to observe involuntary movements characteristic of athetosis.
Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may be ordered to assess the brain structure and identify any abnormalities.
Genetic testing may be recommended to identify specific genetic mutations associated with athetosis.
Blood tests can help rule out other potential causes of similar symptoms.
Collaborative evaluation by a team of specialists, including neurologists and genetic counselors, may be necessary for a comprehensive diagnosis.

Treatment for Athetosis

Athetosis, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary writhing movements, can be managed through various treatment options tailored to individual needs. Treatment may involve medications such as benzodiazepines or anticholinergic drugs to help control symptoms. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can also play a crucial role in improving motor function and enhancing quality of life for individuals with athetosis. In some cases, deep brain stimulation or botulinum toxin injections may be considered for symptom management. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients is often recommended to provide comprehensive care and support for those living with athetosis.

Treatment options for Athetosis aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals affected by this movement disorder. Medications such as benzodiazepines or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help reduce involuntary movements associated with Athetosis. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in improving motor control and coordination for those with Athetosis, focusing on strengthening muscles and enhancing overall mobility.
Occupational therapy can assist individuals in learning adaptive techniques to perform daily tasks more effectively despite the challenges posed by Athetosis. Speech therapy may be beneficial in addressing difficulties with speech and communication that can arise due to Athetosis.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific signs that indicate Athetosis?

Yes, specific signs of Athetosis include involuntary twisting and writhing movements.

What precautions should be taken for Athetosis?

Athetosis requires regular monitoring and therapy adjustments by a healthcare provider. Physical therapy can help manage symptoms and improve muscle control, while medications may be prescribed to reduce involuntary movements.

Are there any risks associated with untreated Athetosis?

Yes, untreated Athetosis can lead to difficulties in performing everyday tasks and may cause joint deformities over time. Prompt treatment is essential to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications.