Abnormal and involuntary movements of a muscle or a muscle group, synkinesias are often observed in the course of neurological diseases. What are the different types of synkinesias? Their causes? How to treat them?

Synkinesia is the involuntary contraction of one or more muscles while the subject performs another movement.

There are different types of synkinesias which are as follows:  

Coordination synkinesias

They are characterized by the occurrence of involuntary movements in an area while the patient performs a movement with another muscle group.   

Imitation synkinesias

They result in the involuntary contraction of a member which is content to reproduce the voluntary movement of another member. For example, the contraction of the right calf can lead to the contraction of the left side, with no apparent connection between the two.  

Global synkinesias

These are contractures that occur in a paralyzed limb when the patient makes a movement with the limb on the opposite side.

Synkinesis is seen during the waning phase of neurological disease.

It can develop in particular within the framework of the pyramidal syndrome (set of disorders of the motor skills making it difficult or even complicated certain daily gestures such as dressing, bathing as well as by spasticity, that is to say a permanent contraction. of a muscle).

Synkinesias can also be observed in dyspraxia in children (coordination disorder). They can also result from damage to the thalamus, part of the brain that is involved in motor skills.

The treatment of synkinesias depends on their location. For example, if they are located on the eyelids, the treatment will be surgical. In other cases, management will be based on the administration of an antispasmodic and physiotherapy rehabilitation. 

The earlier the synkinesias are detected, the better the management will be.