[Motor paroxysmal disorders]

In this paper we review and bring up to date non-epileptic paroxystic motor disorders, since knowledge of these is necessary to avoid confusion with epileptic crises.

Particular attention has been paid to the etiopathogenesis, classification and treatment of tics, including Tourette syndrome. Familial paroxystic choreoathetosis and alterations of movement induced by drugs are considered in the light of new etiopathogenic concepts, such as hyperekplexy, spasmus nutans and Sandifer syndrome. We also mention the clinical aspects of shudders, paroxystic vertigo, continuous muscle activity, transitory cerebral ischemia and masturbation which should be remembered to avoid confusion with epileptic crises.