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Semin Neurol 2023; 43(01): 123-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764164
Review Article

“Unvoluntary” Movement Disorders: Distinguishing between Tics, Akathisia, Restless Legs, and Stereotypies

Christelle Nilles
1   Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
,
Gabriel Amorelli
1   Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
,
Tamara M. Pringsheim
2   Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
3   Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4   Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
,
Davide Martino
1   Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
3   Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4   Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract

Tics, stereotypies, akathisia, and restless legs fall at different places on the spectrum of discrete, unwanted and potentially disabling motor routines. Unlike tremor, chorea, myoclonus, or dystonia, this subgroup of abnormal movements is characterized by the subject's variable ability to inhibit or release undesired motor patterns on demand. Though it may be sometimes clinically challenging, it is crucial to distinguish these “unvoluntary” motor behaviors because secondary causes and management approaches differ substantially. To this end, physicians must consider the degree of repetitiveness of the movements, the existence of volitional control, and the association with sensory symptoms, or cognitive-ideational antecedent. This review aims to summarize the current existing knowledge on phenomenology, diagnosis, and treatment of tics, stereotypies, akathisia, and restless leg syndrome.

Keywords

tics - stereotypies - akathisia - restless legs - diagnosis - management

* These authors have equally contributed to the manuscript.




Publication History

Article published online:
28 February 2023

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