Pseudoathetosis

Pseudoathetosis

Pseudoathetosis is the name given to athetoid-like movements, most usually of the outstretched fingers ("piano-playing fingers") and hands, resulting from sensory ataxia (impaired proprioception); it is worse with the eyes closed. There may also be chorea-like movements (see Pseudochoreoathetosis). Causes include any interruption to the anatomical pathway mediating proprioception, most often lesions in the dorsal cervical cord (e.g., multiple sclerosis, subacute combined degeneration of the cord due to vitamin B12 deficiency or nitrous oxide overuse), but also lesions of the large (myelinated) peripheral nerve fibers, and of the parietal lobe.

Cross References

Athetosis; Chorea, Choreoathetosis; Proprioception; Pseudochoreoathetosis