Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis in hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis is an unusual movement disorder often triggered by attempts to use the limbs, and has sometimes been associated with diffuse or focal brain injury. Wereport its occurrence in hyperthyroidism, with which choreoathetosis has rarely been described in the pastwithout known cause. Choreoathetosis has also occurred with other metabolic and toxic disorders, and themechanism is uncertain. The development of involuntary movements activated by limb motion duringhyperthyroidism suggests an influence by thyroid hormone or metabolic state on motor neuroneexcitability or motor system organization. © The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine, 1987.