Liikehäiriö

Liikehäiriö refers to a group of neurological conditions characterized by abnormal, involuntary movements. These movements can manifest in various ways, including tremors, tics, spasms, chorea (sudden, jerky movements), athetosis (slow, writhing movements), and dystonia (sustained muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements). The underlying cause of liikehäiriö is often related to dysfunction in the basal ganglia, a set of subcortical nuclei in the brain that play a crucial role in motor control, habit formation, and cognition.

The specific type and severity of liikehäiriö can vary widely. Some conditions may be mild and primarily affect a specific body part, while others can be more widespread and significantly impair daily functioning. Causes can include genetic factors, brain injury, stroke, infections, certain medications, or neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. In some cases, the cause of the liikehäiriö may remain unknown, a condition referred to as idiopathic.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough neurological examination, a review of medical history, and sometimes imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to assess brain structure. Treatment approaches are tailored to the specific type of liikehäiriö and may include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy to improve motor control and coordination, occupational therapy to adapt daily tasks, and in some instances, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation. While a complete cure is not always possible, management strategies aim to reduce the impact of the involuntary movements and improve the individual's quality of life.