Brain & Nervous System Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms An Overview of Dysdiadochokinesia in Multiple Sclerosis This collection of MS-related symptoms can affect balance and speech By Julie Stachowiak, PhD Julie Stachowiak, PhD Facebook Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is the author of the Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto, the winner of the 2009 ForeWord Book of the Year Award, Health Category. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 25, 2022 Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD LinkedIn Nicholas R. Metrus, MD, is board-certified in neurology and neuro-oncology. He currently works at the Glasser Brain Tumor Center with Atlantic Health System in Summit, New Jersey. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Dysdiadochokinesia (DDK) refers to the inability to perform rapid, alternating movements, such as flipping one's hand from back to front on a flat surface, or screwing in a light bulb. DDK can cause problems with upper and lower extremities as well as with speech. This problem is often seen in patients with multiple sclerosis or other conditions that impair coordination. Verywell / JR Bee Symptoms DDK typically affects the muscles in the arms, hands, legs, and feet, as well as the muscles in the larynx that control speech. Dysdiadochokinesia is a symptom of a category of neurological problems known as ataxia. Patients with ataxia can present with the following symptoms: Problems with balance and walking, including slowness, or awkward movementsPoor coordination of the arms, hands, or legsInarticulate or incomprehensible speech and difficulties with swallowingDifficulty stopping one movement and starting another in the opposite directionTremors, weakness, spasticity, inability to move the eyes, and loss of sensitivity in the hands and feet What Is Ataxia? Causes It's believed that dysdiadochokinesia is often caused by lesions in the cerebellum, a part of the brain that controls voluntary muscle movements, posture, and balance. Damage to the cerebellum can also result in hypotonia, or decrease in muscle tone, which can contribute to the problem. In addition, dysdiadochokinesia can also be associated with a gene mutation that affects neurotransmitters—the chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body. Diagnosis Typically, a neurologist will perform tests that lead to a diagnosis of dysdiadochokinesia. These tests include: Having the patient alternately flip each hand from palm side up to palm side down as quickly as possible on a stable surface like a tableAsking the patient to demonstrate the movement of turning a doorknob or screwing in a lightbulbHaving the patient tap their foot quickly on the floor or examiner’s handAsking the patient to repeat syllables such as “papa”, “kaka”, “lala” A person with dysdiadochokinesia will be unable to perform the above tests in a correct and coordinated fashion. Their movements may be slowed, unusual, or clumsy. Treatment Treating dysdiadochokinesia and cerebellar ataxia, in general, is challenging, and there are no specific strategies that are scientifically supported at this time. A 2014 study in the Journal of Neurology found that physical therapy and occupational therapy may provide some benefit. Strength training, balance exercises, treadmill walking and exercises to improve core strength may all be helpful; speech therapy may also be necessary. Learning strategies for how to prevent falls and modifying the home (for example, installing grab rails, removing loose carpets, and placing nonskid mats) can keep someone safe if they continue to struggle with symptoms of DDK. A Word From Verywell Living with dysdiadochokinesia can be frightening and unsettling. While there is no known “cure” for DDT, seeking out medical advice and working with physical and occupational therapists can help you keep symptoms down to a manageable level. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Ataxia Foundation. What is Ataxia? Matsugi A. Physical Therapy for Cerebellar Ataxia. Neurological Physical Therapy. October 2017. doi:10.5772/67649. Marmolino D, Manto M. Past, present and future therapeutics for cerebellar ataxias. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2010;8(1):41–61. doi:10.2174/157015910790909476 Bodranghien F, Bastian A, Casali C, et al. Consensus Paper: Revisiting the Symptoms and Signs of Cerebellar Syndrome. Cerebellum. 2016;15(3):369–391. doi:10.1007/s12311-015-0687-3 Fonteyn EM, Keus SH, Verstappen CC, Schöls L, De groot IJ, Van de warrenburg BP. The effectiveness of allied health care in patients with ataxia: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2014;261(2):251-8. doi:10.1007/s00415-013-6910-6 By Julie Stachowiak, PhD Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is the author of the Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto, the winner of the 2009 ForeWord Book of the Year Award, Health Category. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit