Movement - unpredictable or jerky

Alternative Names

Home Care

Therapy is aimed at identifying and treating the underlying cause. If it is due to medication, the drug should be discontinued if possible. If it is due to medical disease, the disorder should be treated. If the movements are severe and disruptive, medications such as amantadine or tetrabenazine may help control the movements.

Rest helps improve chorea, which can be aggravated by excitement or fatigue. Emotional stress should be minimized.

Safety measures should also be taken to decrease the likelihood of injury from the involuntary movements.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if there is any persistent, unexplained, and uncontrollable bodily motions.

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting this symptom in detail may include:

• What kind of movement occurs?
• What part of the body is affected?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is there irritability?
• Is there weakness or paralysis?
• Is there restlessness?
• Is there emotional instability?
• Are there facial tics?

References

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 713-736.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2305-2306.