Geniospasm
Geniospasm is a rare, inherited movement disorder that is characterized by episodes of involuntary up-and-down movement of the chin towards the chest. These episodes can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur several times a day. The condition is usually benign and does not affect a person's health or lifespan.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The main symptom of geniospasm is the involuntary movement of the chin. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Tremors
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
Causes[edit | edit source]
Geniospasm is believed to be caused by a mutation in a gene. The exact gene is not known, but it is thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that an affected person has a 50% chance of passing the disorder on to their children.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of geniospasm is based on the clinical symptoms and a family history of the disorder. Genetic testing may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
There is no cure for geniospasm, but symptoms can be managed with medication. Botulinum toxin injections may also be used to reduce the severity of the movements.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD