Induction of involuntary movements by peripheral trauma: an analogy with causalgia

Ten patients are described in whom various involuntary movement disorders developed after trauma that was predominantly or entirely peripheral. The interval between injury and onset of movement disorder ranged from 48 hours to 3 years; the injured and painful part was the area initially affected by involuntary movements, although more widespread involvement subsequently occurred. These clinical features resemble the phenomena experienced by some patients with causalgia and suggest the possibility of common mechanisms.