Movement Problems
Difficulty controlling or coordinating body movements
Quick Facts
- What it is: Trouble controlling or coordinating movement
- Common forms: Tremor, stiffness, slowness, poor balance
- Common causes: Parkinson disease, stroke, MS, medications
- Urgent if: Sudden weakness or trouble speaking
Overview
Movement problems are difficulties with controlling, coordinating, or carrying out the body's movements. They can appear as too much movement, such as tremor or involuntary jerks, or too little movement, such as slowness and stiffness. They may also involve poor coordination, balance trouble, or weakness that makes movement difficult.
Smooth movement depends on a complex network linking the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles, so a problem anywhere along this path can affect how a person moves. Some movement problems develop gradually, as in Parkinson disease, while others appear suddenly, as in a stroke. Because a sudden change in movement can be an emergency, new or rapidly worsening movement problems should be evaluated promptly.
Doctors often group movement problems into those with too much movement and those with too little. Conditions with excess movement include tremor, twitches, and jerks, while conditions with reduced movement include slowness, stiffness, and rigidity. Weakness and poor coordination form a separate but overlapping group. Where the problem lies, how it started, whether it is steady or comes and goes, and what other symptoms are present all help a clinician work out the cause. Some movement problems are lifelong, while others are temporary or fully treatable once the underlying issue is addressed.
Common Causes
Movement problems can arise from conditions affecting the brain, nerves, or muscles, as well as from medications and other factors.
- Parkinson disease and related disorders: Parkinson disease causes tremor, stiffness, and slowed movement.
- Stroke and brain injury: Stroke can suddenly cause weakness, clumsiness, or loss of coordination.
- Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis can affect coordination, strength, and balance.
- Nerve and muscle disorders: Neuropathy and muscle conditions can cause weakness and difficulty moving.
- Medications: Certain drugs can cause tremor, stiffness, or involuntary movements.
- Other causes: Essential tremor, thyroid problems, and dementia such as dementia can affect movement.
Associated Symptoms
The symptoms accompanying a movement problem help point to its cause, and noting them carefully can speed up an accurate diagnosis.
- Tremor or shaking
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- Slowed movement
- Involuntary jerks, twitches, or writhing movements
- Weakness or numbness
- Balance problems and falls
- Changes in walking or coordination
Diagnosis & Evaluation
A clinician observes the movements and performs a detailed examination to find the cause.
- Neurological examination: Assessing strength, tone, coordination, reflexes, and the pattern of abnormal movement.
- History: When the problem began, how it has changed, family history, and medications.
- Imaging: MRI or CT of the brain when a structural or neurological cause is suspected.
- Blood tests and nerve studies: To check for thyroid problems, nerve damage, and other conditions.
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the cause and aims to improve function and quality of life.
- Medication: Specific medicines can help conditions such as Parkinson disease, tremor, or muscle stiffness.
- Physical and occupational therapy: Exercises and strategies improve strength, coordination, and daily function.
- Treating the underlying condition: Managing stroke, multiple sclerosis, or thyroid problems addresses the root cause.
- Reviewing medications: Adjusting drugs that cause movement side effects.
- Assistive devices and rehabilitation: Supporting safe movement and independence.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes to protect the brain and nerves
- Stay physically active to maintain strength, balance, and coordination
- Limit alcohol, which can affect coordination and nerves
- Review medications with your clinician if you notice new tremor or stiffness
- Report new or worsening movement changes promptly
- Keep a note of when symptoms occur and what makes them better or worse
- Attend follow-up appointments for any known neurological condition
- Make your home safer to reduce the risk of falls and injury
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for any new, unexplained, or worsening movement problem. Call emergency services or seek immediate care if a movement problem comes on suddenly with:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking, facial drooping, or vision changes, which can signal a stroke
- Sudden severe loss of coordination or inability to walk
- A recent head injury or severe headache
Prompt evaluation of gradual movement problems is also important so that treatment can begin early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes movement problems?
They can come from conditions affecting the brain, nerves, or muscles, such as Parkinson disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, as well as essential tremor, thyroid problems, and certain medications. The pattern of movement helps doctors identify the cause.
When is a movement problem an emergency?
Seek emergency care if a movement problem appears suddenly with weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, facial drooping, vision changes, or sudden loss of coordination, as these can signal a stroke.
Are movement problems treatable?
Often yes. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, physical and occupational therapy, treating an underlying condition, and adjusting medicines that cause side effects. Many people improve their function and quality of life.
Can medications cause movement problems?
Yes. Some medications can cause tremor, stiffness, or involuntary movements as side effects. If you notice new movement changes after starting a medication, talk to your clinician rather than stopping it on your own.
What is the difference between tremor and Parkinson disease?
Tremor is a single symptom of shaking that has many causes, including essential tremor. Parkinson disease is a specific condition that typically causes tremor along with stiffness, slowed movement, and balance changes. A clinician can distinguish them through examination.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Movement Disorders.
- Mayo Clinic. Movement disorders.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Movement disorders.
- Parkinson's Foundation. Understanding Parkinson's.