Movement disorders and tremors

Abstract

Movement disorders are a heterogeneous group of disorders with different clinical presentations and different underlying aetiologies. They are commonly seen in primary care in the form of tremors or rigidity. This article covers the common and important movement disorders as outlined in the RCGP curriculum. Movement disorders can be divided into hyperkinetic and hypokinetic, depending on increase or decrease in activity of a muscle or muscle group leading to abnormal movement or posture. It is important to note that tremors, although commonly hyperkinetic, can be sometimes be hypokinetic in nature.