Tremor and involuntary movements
Involuntary movement disorders result in some of the most dramatic clinical presentations in veterinary medicine. Classically, these disorders are present during periods of inactivity rather than during voluntary movement. Cerebellar disease, conversely, can result in apparent involuntary abnormalities during movement. Some involuntary movements are persistent while others are episodic. Certain involuntary movements have characteristics that allow for identification of specific causes, whereas others are only a reflection of dysfunction of the nervous or musculoskeletal systems. Clinically, it is important to first identify the type of involuntary movement present. Subsequently, a more directed approach can be used to establish the cause of the movement disorder. Clinical signs Involuntary movement disorders are less well classified in animals than in humans. Terms such as tics, twitches, shivering, shuddering and fasciculation are often used to describe episodic, irregular muscle contractions. They are usually manifested through abnormal motion of the limbs, trunk or head. There are seven forms of involuntary movement. Myoclonus Myoclonus is a shock-like contraction of a muscle or muscles that tends to occur repeatedly Read more […]