Movement problems

Movement problems are symptoms that affect the way a person controls or coordinates their muscles. This can make it difficult to walk, maintain balance, perform everyday tasks, or move smoothly and efficiently. For many people, movement problems develop gradually and may be one of the first signs of an underlying neurological condition. 

In the brain and nervous system, movement is controlled through a complex network of signals. When part of this system is damaged or not working properly due to conditions such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, it can lead to symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, muscle weakness, or slow movement.

In some cases, symptoms can be linked to functional neurological disorder (FND), where the brain has trouble sending and receiving signals without a physical cause. 

At Affidea neuraCare, you’ll receive personalized care from a world-class team every moment of your journey. Backed by deep experience and the latest innovations, we work to bring you the full potential of modern medicine.

Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or supporting a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Read on to discover examples of movement problems, causes and associated conditions, and comprehensive neurological assessments at Affidea neuraCare

Movement problems can affect people in many different ways and often develop gradually over time. You might notice changes in the way you walk, difficulty holding objects, or involuntary movements.

Here are some common types of symptoms affecting movement:

• Tremor – this is shaking or trembling of a body part or your voice that you can’t control and can vary in intensity
• Muscle stiffness – as the muscles become tight and rigid, you may find your movement is not as smooth as it used to be or your posture has changed
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia) – you might find that everyday actions take longer than they used to, such as getting dressed or walking
• Changes how you walk – this can be dragging a foot (foot drop), shuffling, irregular step sizes or feeling unsteady on your feet
• Difficulties with balance and coordination (ataxia) – this can lead to falls, dizziness or feeling unsteady, difficulty reaching for objects, or issues with smaller actions, such as buttoning a shirt or eating
• Involuntary movements – this may include tics, muscle jerks, muscle spasms, or parts of your body twisting into unusual positions

If you or a loved one is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important not to ignore them. While they can seem mild to begin with, they can gradually increase if left untreated.

Recognizing the signs early and seeing a specialist neurologist for a diagnosis can make a positive difference. The right treatment and support can help you manage and control your symptoms so you can move forward with confidence

Movement problems are often caused by a disruption in the way the brain and nervous system controls the muscles, usually caused by an underlying condition. Identifying this cause is an important step toward managing symptoms and helping you feel more in control during your daily life.

Some causes of movement problems are benign and can resolve with time or treatment, especially in children. Others may be caused by an underlying condition that needs ongoing treatment.  

Some of the most common neurological causes are:

• Parkinson’s and other parkinsonism disorders make smooth and controlled movement more difficult, typically leading to tremor, stiffness, and slowed movement
• Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders where the hands, head, or voice shake  – while the cause isn’t clear, genetics may play a role
• Dystonia is a disorder involving involuntary muscle spasms, resulting in sudden twisting movements, tremors, and unusual postures  – there are several types, depending on which part of the body is affected and what has caused it, including other neurological conditions, medication use, or inherited genetic conditions
• Huntington’s is a progressive genetic condition that may cause involuntary jerking motions or twitching, and problems with coordination and movement in early stages
• Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive movements (tics) or vocalisations,  ranging from winking, grimacing and grunting to jerking movements, words and full phrases
• Multiple sclerosis can cause problems with balance and coordination, muscle weakness, and difficulties walking
• Motor neurone disease (MND) leads to progressive muscle weakness, stiffness, and difficulty walking or lifting your foot
• Strokes can have ongoing effects on muscle strength, coordination and balance on one side of the body
• Peripheral neuropathy can result in weak foot muscles, and difficulty with walking and balance

Other causes can include head injuries, infections, brain tumors, metabolic disorders, and genetic conditions. In some cases, a combination of factors is involved.

Finding the underlying cause allows you to get the treatment you need, which may relieve symptoms, support movement, and sometimes slow progression

When you first notice changes in your movement, seeking a thorough assessment by a specialist neurologist is an important first step to answers and getting the right support. The types of tests and scans you have will depend on the type of symptoms you’re having. 

An initial assessment may include:

• A detailed consultation discussing your symptoms and medical history, such as when your symptoms started, how they affect your daily life, and any medications you currently take
• A physical exam to assess your range of movement and your physical ability, such as muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, balance, and walking
• Pathology tests to check your overall health and rule out other conditions, such as blood and urine tests or a lumbar puncture
• Imaging scans to look at your nervous system and muscle health and rule out other conditions, such as an MRI scan or ultrasound scan
• Neurodiagnostic tests to assess the electrical activity of your brain and muscles, such as an EEG and an EMG

In some cases, your neurologist may carry out further investigations, such as genetic testing, to gather more information and help make a diagnosis.

We offer a comprehensive assessment and a range of diagnostics to understand the underlying cause for any movement problems you or a loved one may be experiencing. After your consultation, your neurologist works together with our team of leading specialists to shape treatment around you, your health needs, and your personal goals.

No matter the diagnosis, we’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and extraordinary care every step of your journey.