Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Dysdiadochokinesia(DDK) refers to the inability to perform rapid, alternating muscle movements, such as flipping one’s hand from back to front on a flat surface, or screwing in a light bulb. DDK can cause problems with upper and lower limbs as well as with speech. This problem is often seen in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or other conditions that impair coordination.
To diagnose dysdiadochokinesia, a neurologist will perform a series of tests to examine speech and rapid, alternating movements. DDK can be difficult to treat, but a combination of occupational and physical therapy may help manage symptoms, preserve independence, and prevent falls.
This article explains the symptoms and causes of dysdiadochokinesia, along with how it is diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / JR Bee
Symptoms of Dysdiadochokinesia
Dysdiadochokinesia refers to the inability to perform rapid movements that involve a rapid change in motion. This might include:
DDK typically affects the muscles in the arms, hands, legs, and feet, as well as the muscles in the larynx (voice box) that control speech.
Dysdiadochokinesia is considered a symptom of a group of neurological problems known as ataxia. People with ataxia can present with the following symptoms:
What Is Ataxia?
Dysdiadochokinesia Causes
In addition, dysdiadochokinesia can also be associated with a gene mutation that affects neurotransmitters—the chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body.
MS Brain Lesions and Their Effects
Diagnosing Dysdiadochokinesia
Typically, a neurologist will perform tests that lead to a diagnosis of dysdiadochokinesia. These tests include:
A person with dysdiadochokinesia will be unable to perform the above tests in a correct and coordinated fashion. Their movements may be slowed, unusual, or clumsy.
Treating dysdiadochokinesia and cerebellar ataxia, in general, is challenging, and there are no specific strategies that are scientifically supported at this time.
A 2014 study in theJournal of Neurologyfound that physical therapy and occupational therapy may provide some benefit. Strength training, balance exercises, treadmill walking and exercises to improve core strength may all be helpful; speech therapy may also be necessary.
Learning strategies for how to prevent falls and modifying the home (for example, installing grab rails, removing loose carpets, and placing nonskid mats) can help keep someone with DDK safe.
Summary
Dysdiadochokinesia (DDK) is a symptom of ataxia often seen in people with multiple sclerosis. DDK most often affects the muscles in the arms, legs, and larynx. As a result, people with DDK have difficulty performing rapid, alternating movements, which can lead to issues with coordination and speech.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ataxia.Matsugi A.Physical Therapy for Cerebellar Ataxia.Neurological Physical Therapy. October 2017. doi:10.5772/67649.Krygier M, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M.Milestones in genetics of cerebellar ataxias.Neurogenetics. 2021;22(1):225-234. doi:10.1007/s10048-021-00656-3Bodranghien F, Bastian A, Casali C, et al.Consensus Paper: Revisiting the Symptoms and Signs of Cerebellar Syndrome.Cerebellum. 2016;15(3):369–391. doi:10.1007/s12311-015-0687-3Fonteyn EM, Keus SH, Verstappen CC, Schöls L, De groot IJ, Van de warrenburg BP.The effectiveness of allied health care in patients with ataxia: a systematic review.J Neurol. 2014;261(2):251-8. doi:10.1007/s00415-013-6910-6
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ataxia.Matsugi A.Physical Therapy for Cerebellar Ataxia.Neurological Physical Therapy. October 2017. doi:10.5772/67649.Krygier M, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M.Milestones in genetics of cerebellar ataxias.Neurogenetics. 2021;22(1):225-234. doi:10.1007/s10048-021-00656-3Bodranghien F, Bastian A, Casali C, et al.Consensus Paper: Revisiting the Symptoms and Signs of Cerebellar Syndrome.Cerebellum. 2016;15(3):369–391. doi:10.1007/s12311-015-0687-3Fonteyn EM, Keus SH, Verstappen CC, Schöls L, De groot IJ, Van de warrenburg BP.The effectiveness of allied health care in patients with ataxia: a systematic review.J Neurol. 2014;261(2):251-8. doi:10.1007/s00415-013-6910-6
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ataxia.Matsugi A.Physical Therapy for Cerebellar Ataxia.Neurological Physical Therapy. October 2017. doi:10.5772/67649.Krygier M, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M.Milestones in genetics of cerebellar ataxias.Neurogenetics. 2021;22(1):225-234. doi:10.1007/s10048-021-00656-3Bodranghien F, Bastian A, Casali C, et al.Consensus Paper: Revisiting the Symptoms and Signs of Cerebellar Syndrome.Cerebellum. 2016;15(3):369–391. doi:10.1007/s12311-015-0687-3Fonteyn EM, Keus SH, Verstappen CC, Schöls L, De groot IJ, Van de warrenburg BP.The effectiveness of allied health care in patients with ataxia: a systematic review.J Neurol. 2014;261(2):251-8. doi:10.1007/s00415-013-6910-6
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ataxia.
Matsugi A.Physical Therapy for Cerebellar Ataxia.Neurological Physical Therapy. October 2017. doi:10.5772/67649.
Krygier M, Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska M.Milestones in genetics of cerebellar ataxias.Neurogenetics. 2021;22(1):225-234. doi:10.1007/s10048-021-00656-3
Bodranghien F, Bastian A, Casali C, et al.Consensus Paper: Revisiting the Symptoms and Signs of Cerebellar Syndrome.Cerebellum. 2016;15(3):369–391. doi:10.1007/s12311-015-0687-3
Fonteyn EM, Keus SH, Verstappen CC, Schöls L, De groot IJ, Van de warrenburg BP.The effectiveness of allied health care in patients with ataxia: a systematic review.J Neurol. 2014;261(2):251-8. doi:10.1007/s00415-013-6910-6
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