movement disorders

Last reviewed 01/2018

A variety of different disorders result in involuntary, clumsy or imperfect movements.

The execution of a normal, smooth movement requires two neurological components:

  • the primary motor pathway (upper motor neurone - lower motor neurone - neuromuscular junction - muscle)
  • the modulatory systems (cerebellum, basal ganglia, sensory function)

Patients with movement disorders usually have normal strength, i.e. the primary motor pathways are intact, but the cerebellum, basal ganglia or sensory systems are malfunctioning.