By Dax Janel Valencia

Motor disorders share a link with genetics in that people can directly inherit these conditions. In some cases, certain genes can make individuals more susceptible to acquiring or developing these neurological diseases.

Understanding genetic influences on motor disorders is crucial, as mutations and pathogenic variants in over 500 different genes can cause these conditions, as explained by an article published in PubMed Central. 

Many movement-related conditions are also highly debilitating. They impact daily activities by restricting mobility, often resulting in loss of independence and a lower quality of life.

By identifying and recognizing these underlying changes, patients, their families, and healthcare teams can help improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and development of targeted, personalized treatments.

What Are Examples of Motor Disorders? 

According to the International Neuromodulation Society, there are over 30 neurological conditions considered to be movement disorders. Such conditions affect an estimated 20% of the population. Examples include:

  • Essential tremor
  • Spasticity
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Dystonia 

Many movement disorders occur later in life, such as Parkinson’s. According to the City Council of San Diego, CA, PD affects an estimated one million people in the U.S., a number projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. 

Other movement disorders manifest symptoms at birth or in childhood. Congenital myopathies, for instance, are hereditary motor disorders that show up at or near birth. Cerebral palsy (CP) is another example of a congenital motor disorder. 

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, CP isn’t genetic, but motor disorders research suggests that certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing it.  

How Do You Treat Motor Disorders? 

The treatment for movement disorders varies depending on the specific type, but it typically combines medication and therapies. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. 

The goal of motor disorder treatment is to:

  • Manage and control specific motor disorder symptoms
  • Improve function
  • Increase independence
  • Enhance overall quality of life 

A specific example is the use of dopamine-boosting drugs for individuals with Parkinson’s. As for people with spasms or dystonia, Botox injections or muscle relaxants may help.

Speech therapy, on the other hand, can help those who face challenges with speaking. Physical and occupational therapy may prove beneficial for individuals who struggle with mobility and daily tasks, too.

Neurosurgical care can also help provide pain relief and customized treatment plans for conditions like movement disorders, according to the experts at Neurosurgery One Spine Center. 

What’s the Link Between Motor Disorders and Genetics? 

The relationship between genetics and movement disorders can be direct. In this case, the condition is due to a pathogenic variant or mutation in a single gene.

In some cases, the link between movement disorders and genes can be indirect. Genetic factors aren’t the specific cause of the disorder, but they can contribute to its development by raising a person’s susceptibility. 

Direct Relationship 

Motor disorders that share a direct relationship with genetics usually arise from an inherited gene that has undergone a specific alteration, such as a mutation or a pathogenic variant. Pathogenic variants are disease-causing changes that occur in genes or DNA sequences.

Monogenic inheritance is an example of a genetic mechanism in which a motor disorder results from a mutation in a specific gene.

A rare, but well-known condition under this class is Huntington’s disease (HD). According to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, HD affects an estimated 41,000 people in the U.S. 

In people with HD, the inherited mutation is within the HTT gene. The alteration causes the building blocks of DNA, collectively called CAG (cytosine, adenine, and guanine), to repeat many more times than they should. 

Indirect Relationship 

In motor disorders with an indirect link to genetics, the pathogenesis is often a complex interaction between many factors that include genetic susceptibility, age, and environmental variables. The term “pathogenesis” refers to a disease’s or disorder’s biological development, mechanism, or origin.

Movement disorders that have this indirect genetic relationship often fall under “idiopathic” or “sporadic” conditions.

Idiopathic or sporadic motor disorders are diseases or illnesses with a spontaneous nature, usually occurring without a clear or unidentifiable cause. As they aren’t clearly due to family history alone, their genetic contribution serves more as a risk factor than a direct cause.

Essential tremor (ET), a common condition that causes a person to experience rhythmic, involuntary shaking of the hands, head, legs, or voice during movement, is one example of a multifactorial movement disorder. Genetic, age-related, and environmental factors can influence its development. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Symptoms Do Motor Disorders Share?

The symptoms of motor disorders vary widely, but they share similar indications, such as involuntary movements.

Involuntary movements include tremors, spasms, twisting (dystonia), and jerks (myoclonus). They’re examples of involuntary movements that many motor disorders like essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease share.

Muscle weakness is another typical indicator of movement disorders. People with PD, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and functional neurological disorder (FND), for instance, often experience this symptom. 

People with motor disorders also often experience difficulties with coordination. Their conditions may manifest as poor balance, clumsiness, and problems with spatial awareness. Specific disorders that can exhibit this as a symptom are PD, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. 

What Type of Doctor Specializes in Motor Disorders?

If you or someone you care about has a motor disorder, consider seeking the help of a movement disorder specialist. They’re the primary type of doctor who specializes in motor disorders.

Movement disorder specialists are neurologists who have undergone and completed an additional one to two years of education and training specifically focused on conditions that affect movement. They’re experts in disorders like PD, HD, tremors, and dystonia. 

Are Motor Disorders Preventable?

Motor disorders that are genetic or have a genetic component are not completely preventable. The good news is that modern medicine allows for risk reduction.

Risk reduction focuses on lowering one’s likelihood of developing specific movement disorders. Examples include limiting environmental exposures and making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of conditions like PD, ataxia, and tardive dyskinesia. 

Treatment Can Improve Life Even With Genetic Motor Disorders

Remember: You can’t completely evade motor disorders with a genetic component. Fortunately, you can reduce your risks of developing them and improve your prognosis and quality of life with early intervention and treatment. 

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