Involuntary Movements

This has happened twice and I'm not sure if I should be worried. It has only happened late in the evening when I was sitting watching TV. I get these involuntary movements. My left shoulder and my legs twitch. These are reasonably large repetitive jerky movements where I am completely unable to sit still. I am fully awake and alert throughout. They do not cause pain. No-one has ever seen it but if it happened when I was with other people I would have to get away from them because they would be freaked out by it! It doesn't really bother me but it will if my parents see it! I am currently working as a temp in a kid's hospital. My job involves walking around upstairs and things with heavy notes (which I do with no problems) and lots of desk work. One thing that I have noticed about my current placement is that my desk is really uncomfortable, it's too small for the computer on it and I have to twist around to do my typing- could that be relevant? Are these experiences symptomatic of anything? I am not on any medications at the moment. Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You may want to consider a variety of hyperkinetic movement disorders.  They are characterized by an excess of abnormal involuntary movement.

They can be classified as the following: tics, dystonia, stereotypies, choreoathetosis, tremors, and myoclonus.  There are a variety of hereditary disorders that can present with this.  This can include Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple sclerosis, various brain masses, metabolic disorders (i.e. electrolyte abnormalities as well as thyroid disorders).

In any case, a neurology referral should be obtained for further evaluation.  There are a variety of tests for initial consideration including an MRI of the brain, chemistry panel, thyroid tests, and complete blood count.  An EEG (electroencephalogram) can be considered to see if there is any seizure activity.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[gnosis]

PS Last night I had it while I was lying in bed (was completely awake) when lying on back it was a bit like the exorcist or something!

[gnosis]

PPS I also play the violin and the side affected is the left, ie. the side I use to hold my violin with while playing, don't know if that's relevant or not.

[greenland]

I've had these before too. They seem to come in waves. I get this for a few days or weeks and then nothing for a long time. I just sit and look at my self and chuckle as my hand or arm will have a mind of their own. I checked out clean.

td