Abstract
Tics, stereotypies, akathisia, and restless legs fall at different places on the spectrum
of discrete, unwanted and potentially disabling motor routines. Unlike tremor, chorea,
myoclonus, or dystonia, this subgroup of abnormal movements is characterized by the
subject's variable ability to inhibit or release undesired motor patterns on demand.
Though it may be sometimes clinically challenging, it is crucial to distinguish these
“unvoluntary” motor behaviors because secondary causes and management approaches differ
substantially. To this end, physicians must consider the degree of repetitiveness
of the movements, the existence of volitional control, and the association with sensory
symptoms, or cognitive-ideational antecedent. This review aims to summarize the current
existing knowledge on phenomenology, diagnosis, and treatment of tics, stereotypies,
akathisia, and restless leg syndrome.
Keywords
tics - stereotypies - akathisia - restless legs - diagnosis - management
