Athetosis

Athetosis (pronounced: ath-uh-TOH-sis) is a type of neurological disorder characterized by slow, involuntary, writhing movements of the hands and feet. The term is derived from the Greek word "athetos", which means "without position or place".

Etymology

The term "Athetosis" comes from the Greek "a-" (without) and "thetos" (position). It was first used in the medical literature by English physician William Hammond in 1871 to describe the condition's characteristic involuntary movements.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of athetosis is slow, involuntary, writhing movements. These movements are most common in the hands and feet but can also occur in the face and throat, leading to difficulties with speech (dysarthria) and swallowing (dysphagia).

Causes

Athetosis is typically caused by damage to the basal ganglia in the brain, which can occur due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, or Huntington's disease. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, particularly those used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Treatment

Treatment for athetosis primarily involves managing symptoms and may include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Medications used to treat athetosis include muscle relaxants and anticholinergic drugs. Physical therapy can help improve muscle control and coordination, while surgery may be considered in severe cases to reduce involuntary movements.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Athetosis
Wikipedia's article - Athetosis

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