Symptom: Involuntary rhythmical movements of the trunk, limbs, head and/or vocal cords
Tremor, the most common movement disorder in MS, can be the least treatable and most debilitating symptom of MS.
Other movement disorders seen in MS include: tonic spasms (
spasticity), focal dystonia, focal/segmental myoclonus, chorea, parkinsonism and restless leg syndrome.
Treatment
- Referral to PT for balance/coordination exercises;
- Referral to OT for tools; weights on limbs, eating or writing utensils
- Propranolol clonazepam, hydroxyzine, primidone, isoniazid, topiramate, buspirone, ondansetron, gabapentin (evidence is lacking on the efficacy of any medication; however, a number of different agents have been tried)
- Other: Deep brain stimulation may be considered (Oliveria SF et al. 2017)
Psychosocial Implication
- Loss of control
- Somnolence caused by medications
- Loss of employment
- Social isolation