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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Paroxysmal movement disorders
1Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, 6560 Fannin, Suite 802, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Paroxysmal dyskinesias represent a group of episodic abnormal involuntary movements manifested by recurrent attacks of dystonia, chorea, athetosis, or a combination of these disorders. Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal exertion-induced dyskinesia, and paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia are distinguished clinically by precipitating factors, duration and frequency of attacks, and response to medication. Primary paroxysmal dyskinesias are usually autosomal dominant genetic conditions. Secondary paroxysmal dyskinesias can be the symptoms of different neurologic and medical disorders. This review summarizes the updates on etiology, pathophysiology, genetics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of paroxysmal dyskinesias and other episodic movement disorders.
Insights
Paroxysmal dyskinesias are episodic involuntary movements like dystonia or chorea. This review updates knowledge on their causes, genetics, diagnosis, and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Paroxysmal dyskinesias involve episodic involuntary movements such as dystonia, chorea, or athetosis.
- These disorders are classified into types like paroxysmal kinesigenic, nonkinesigenic, exertion-induced, and hypnogenic dyskinesia, based on triggers and clinical features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge on paroxysmal dyskinesias.
- To summarize updates on the etiology, pathophysiology, genetics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of these episodic movement disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies and clinical findings.
- Synthesis of information on primary (genetic) and secondary (symptomatic) forms of paroxysmal dyskinesias.
Main Results:
- Primary paroxysmal dyskinesias are typically autosomal dominant genetic conditions.
- Secondary forms are associated with various neurological and medical conditions.
- Distinct clinical features differentiate subtypes, influencing treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Paroxysmal dyskinesias encompass a spectrum of episodic movement disorders with diverse etiologies.
- Accurate diagnosis and understanding of underlying causes are crucial for effective management.
- Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and understand pathophysiology.
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