Degenerative Movement Disorders of the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Abstract Neurodegenerative disorders, including movement disorders, are complex multisystem disorders characterized by abnormal protein aggregates that accumulate in select regions in the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. Movement disorders are neurologic syndromes characterized by either an excess of movement or a paucity of voluntary and automatic movements, unrelated to weakness or spasticity. Clinically, movement disorders are manifestations of the loss of modulatory influence by the extra-pyramidal system and may be classified as hyperkinetic or hypokinetic disorders. Under hyperkinetic disorders, we will discuss restless leg syndrome (RLS) and abnormal movements, including tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, chorea, and tics. Under hypokinetic disorders, we will discuss Parkinson disease (PD) and Parkinson plus syndromes, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and corticobasal ganglionic degeneration (CBGD).