Athetosis causes slow movements of your arms, legs, hands, feet, neck, tongue, face, or torso. These movements are often described as "writhing" or "worm-like." They are often continuous and you can't control them. In fact, athetosis usually gets worse when you try to control it.
In many cases, athetosis is caused by birth complications. It can also be a symptom of another neurological condition, usually damage to the basal ganglia, which is part of your brain.
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Neurology
A department providing specialized evaluation and treatment for a wide range of brain and nerve conditions, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, headaches, memory loss…
department
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
A center within the Department of Neurology where movement disorder specialists and Parkinson’s specialists diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease and related disorders with perso…