Movement Disorders
This classification highlights the differences between neurodegenerative disorders, which involve progressive degeneration of neurons, and non-neurodegenerative disorders, which may result from various causes and may not lead to progressive neuronal loss.
| Type | Movement Disorder | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neurodegenerative | Parkinson’s Disease | A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. |
| Huntington’s Disease | A genetic neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. | |
| Non-Neurodegenerative | Essential Tremor | A common movement disorder that causes rhythmic shaking, primarily in the hands but can also affect the head, voice, and other parts of the body. |
| Dystonia | A movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions, abnormal postures, or twisting movements. | |
| Tourette Syndrome | A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. | |
| Ataxia | A group of disorders that affect coordination and balance, often resulting from damage to the cerebellum. | |
| Myoclonus | A sudden, brief, and involuntary muscle jerk or spasm. | |
| Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) | A condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. | |
| Cerebral Palsy | A group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone, often caused by brain damage during early development. |
Monogenic forms of Dystonia (this figure is adapted from Thomsen M, et al. Annu Rev Pathol. 2024).
Overview of confirmed monogenic forms of dystonia based on the most recent update of the Task Force for the Nomenclature of Genetic Movement Disorders (Lange LM et al, 2022 Mov. Disord. 37(5):905–35). Abbreviations: ATX, ataxia; CHOR, chorea; DYT, dystonia; HSP, hereditary spastic paraplegia; NBIA, neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation; PARK, Parkinson’s disease.