Athetosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Athetosis?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions, usually evaluates and treats athetosis. Children with cerebral palsy may also see a physical therapist and an occupational therapist for movement and daily skills. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is athetosis?
Athetosis is a movement problem that causes slow, twisting movements a person cannot control. The movements usually involve large muscle groups. They can affect the head, arms and legs, trunk, or neck. Strange postures can happen because of these movements.
Athetosis is a sign of a problem in the brain, not a disease by itself. It happens when parts of the brain that start and control movement do not work right. These deep brain structures are called the basal ganglia. The movements often get better during sleep and get worse with emotional stress.
Symptoms
The main sign is slow, uncontrollable, twisting or jerky movements. Other signs can include:
- Movements that reduce or stop during sleep.
- Movements that get worse with emotional stress.
- Unusual or strange body postures.
- Muscle stiffness or muscle tone problems.
- Tremor, a shaking that a person cannot control.
- Trouble starting, stopping, or keeping a movement going.
- Trouble walking.
Depending on which part of the brain is affected, there can also be problems with speech, memory, or other thinking skills.
Causes and who gets it
Athetosis comes from damage or problems in the basal ganglia, the deep brain areas that help start and control movement. Causes include:
- Cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affect movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking.
- Stroke, which happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked.
- Head and neck trauma, such as a hard hit to the head.
- Encephalitis, irritation and swelling of the brain, most often from an infection.
- Genetic diseases, including Huntington disease, a disorder in which nerve cells in the brain break down.
- Side effects of medicines, especially medicines for mental disorders. Long-term use of antipsychotic medicines is a common cause.
- Liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy, which is loss of brain function when the liver cannot clean toxins from the blood.
- Poisoning with copper or other heavy metals.
Sometimes two conditions, such as a brain injury and a medicine, interact to cause the movements when neither one alone would.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors take a detailed history and do a physical exam of the nervous and muscle systems. They ask when the movements started, whether they change with sleep or stress, what medicines the person takes, and whether family members have similar problems. Tests may include:
- Blood studies, such as a metabolic panel and a complete blood count.
- CT or MRI of the head, imaging scans that make pictures of the brain.
- An EEG, a test that records electrical activity in the brain.
- Genetic studies.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the movements. If medicines are used, the doctor decides which medicine to prescribe based on the person's symptoms and test results. Common parts of care include:
- Physical therapy to build strength and lower the risk of falling.
- Occupational therapy, which helps a person stay independent in daily tasks.
- Speech therapy for people who have trouble speaking or swallowing.
- Medicines, chosen by the doctor based on the person's symptoms and test results.
Getting enough sleep and lowering stress can also reduce the movements. Safety steps at home help prevent injury.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have movements you cannot control, especially if they are new, getting worse, or come with other symptoms. Call 911 for sudden trouble speaking, sudden weakness on one side, or a severe head injury, because these can be signs of a stroke or serious brain injury.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can do a first evaluation, review the medicines that might be causing movements, and refer you to a neurologist. They can also arrange follow-up visits and coordinate care between the therapists and specialists involved.
Common questions
Is athetosis the same as dystonia?
They are related but not the same. Athetosis causes slow, twisting movements. Dystonia makes muscles tighten on their own. This can cause repeated motions or odd body positions. Both can come from problems in the basal ganglia, and a person can have features of both.
Can athetosis go away?
It depends on the cause. Some causes are reversible, while others need lifelong treatment. Doctors choose medicines based on the person's symptoms and test results.
Do the movements stop during sleep?
Often yes. The abnormal movements may be reduced or disappear during sleep. Emotional stress tends to make them worse.
Can a child with athetosis learn and think normally?
It depends on the cause. Athetosis is a movement problem, and it does not by itself limit thinking. But some of the conditions that cause it, such as cerebral palsy, can also affect learning, hearing, seeing, or thinking.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Movement - uncontrolled or slow: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- MedlinePlus - Basal ganglia dysfunction: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- NINDS - Dystonia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
