What Does Ballismus Mean?

Ballism or ballismus consists of repetitive, but constantly varying, large amplitude involuntary movements of the proximal parts of the limbs. This activity is almost ceaseless and movements are often complex and combined (Meyers 1968).

What is the cause of Ballismus?

Ballismus is a severe movement disorder that is characterized by spontaneous involuntary movements, muscular weakness and incoordination of movements of the proximal extremities. It is mostly caused by neurodegenerative, vascular, toxic metabolic, infectious or immunological process affecting the basal ganglia.

What is Hemi Ballismus?

Hemiballismus is a hyperkinetic involuntary movement disorder characterized by intermittent, sudden, violent, involuntary, flinging, or ballistic high amplitude movements involving the ipsilateral arm and leg caused by dysfunction in the central nervous system of the contralateral side.