Paroxysmal dyskinesia

Paroxysmal dystonia

What is paroxysmal dyskinesia?

Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a movement disorder in which a person experiences episodes of involuntary movements.

What causes paroxysmal dyskinesia?

Paroxysmal dyskinesia may be inherited. It has been associated with several genes including PRRT2, SLC2A1 and PKND.

It may also be acquired by secondary causes such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, metabolic disorders, physical trauma and cerebrovascular disease.

What are the symptoms of paroxysmal dyskinesia?

The involuntary movements experienced with paroxysmal dyskinesia may be:

  • Dystonic movements. These are patterned and repetitive and involve twisting movements and abnormal postures.
  • Ballistic movements. These are movements that affect the limbs.
  • Choreic movements. These are brief and rapid and may resemble fidgeting.
  • Athetoid movements. These are slow and continuous and mainly involve the hands.

Are you affected by paroxysmal dyskinesia?

If you’re affected by paroxysmal dyskinesia, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with paroxysmal dyskinesia, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with paroxysmal dyskinesia and their family, friends and carers from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with paroxysmal dyskinesia

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with paroxysmal dyskinesia? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including paroxysmal dyskinesia, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The Brain Charity’s library has a range of resources on paroxysmal dyskinesia and on many other disability-related issues.

Visit our library to read:

Or search the catalogue online here.

Support groups

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a dystonia support group, or do you already run one? Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk to let us know.

Alternatively, you can check out our list of related support groups here.

Dystonia UK Manchester

A support group that provides those who are affected by dystonia with the opportunity to listen to a speaker on dystonia or a subject relating to general health and wellbeing.

They meet two times a year at a central Manchester venue.

Website: www.dystonia.org.uk/manchester

Phone: 0845 899 7131

Email: info@dystonia.org.uk

Brain & Spine Foundation Neuro Social

A weekly online support group for anyone affected by a neurological condition to meet others and to give each other support.

Website: www.brainandspine.org.uk/supporting-you/online-support-groups/neurosocial

Phone: 0808 808 1000

Email: neurosocial@brainandspine.org.uk

 

Other charities

Dystonia UK

Brain Research UK

The National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE)