Reviewed By David C. Dugdale III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department… of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. more »
Definition
Uncoordinated movement is muscle control problem or an inability to finely coordinate movements, which results in a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fro motion of the middle of the body (trunk) and unsteady gait (walking style). The condition is called ataxia.
Alternative Names
Lack of coordination; Loss of coordination; Coordination impairment; Ataxia; Clumsiness; Uncoordinated movement
Considerations
Smooth graceful movement results from a fine balance between opposing muscle groups. This balance is coordinated by a portion of the brain called the cerebellum.
Diseases that damage the cerebellum, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves can interfere with normal muscle movement and result in coarse, jerky, uncoordinated movement, called ataxia.
Ataxia may be the result of a defect that is present from birth (congenital) or a viral infection such as the chicken pox. It may also develop after encephalitis, head trauma, and diseases that affect the central nervous system or spinal cord. In adults, the most common causes are stroke, toxic reactions to medications or alcohol, problems with the nerves in the legs.
Paraneoplastic syndromes (ataxia may appear months or years before cancer is diagnosed -- an affected person produces antibodies against the neurons in the cerebellum)
Post-infectious condition (typically following chickenpox)
Take safety measures around the home to compensate for difficulties in mobility that are inherent with this problem. For example, avoid clutter, leave wide walkways, and avoid throw rugs or other objects that might cause slipping or falling.
Other family members should encourage the affected person to participate in normal activities. Family members need to have extreme patience with people who suffer from poor coordination. Take time to demonstrate ways of performing tasks more simply, and taking advantage of the afflicted person's strengths while avoiding weaknesses.
Call your health care provider if
There is unexplained incoordination.
Incoordination lasts longer than a few minutes.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
In emergency situations, the patient will be stabilized first.
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the person's symptoms and medical history.
The patient will be asked to stand up with the feet together and the eyes closed. This is called the Romberg test. If the patient loses balance, this is a sign of a loss of the sense of position and the test is considered positive.
The physical exam will also include a detailed neurological and muscular examination, paying careful attention to walking, balance, and coordination of pointing with fingers and toes.
Medical history questions may include:
When did the symptoms begin?
Is the uncoordinate movement continuous or does it come and go?
Is it getting worse?
What medications do you take?
Do you drink alcohol?
Do you use recreational/illicit drugs?
Has you been exposed to something that may have caused poisoning?
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