Hemibalism, also known as hemicorée, is a disorder characterized by the appearance of involuntary and sudden movements of the limbs, of great amplitude, which can also occur in the trunk and head, on one side of the body.
The most common cause of hemibalism is an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, also known as stroke, but there are other causes that can cause it.
- Treatment usually involves resolving the cause of the disorder and anti-dopaminrgic.
- Anti-seizure or antipsychotic medications may also be given.
Hemibalism usually occurs from lesions in the Luys subequipr nucleus or surrounding areas, resulting from sequelae caused by ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke; However, this disorder can also be caused by:
In addition, hemibalism can also result from side effects of medications such as levodopa, contraceptives and anticonvulsants.
Symptoms associated with hemiballism include loss of control of movement, the appearance of large, rapid, violent and involuntary muscle spasms on one side of the body and on the opposite side of the injury. In some cases, it can also affect the facial muscles and cause an imbalance when walking.
When the person moves or performs an action, involuntary movements become more intense and may disappear at rest or during sleep.
Hemibalism is caused by a lesion of the subthalamic nucleus, which reduces the inhibitory impulses of the central gray nuclei of the spinal cord, the cerebral cortex and the brainstem, interfering with movements.
Treatment of hemibalism should focus on the root cause, in addition, dopamine blockers can also be prescribed, which can reduce involuntary movements by up to 90%.
In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medications such as sertraline, amitriptyline, valproic acid, or benzodiazepines.