Which movement disorder is characterized by slower, twisting, writhing movements with large amplitude, often involving the face and distal extremities?

• A. Chorea
• B. Tics
• C. Dystonia
• D. Athetosis

Answer: (D)

The described movements are slow, twisting, writhing, and can be large in amplitude, often involving the face and distal limbs. This pattern is characteristic of athetosis. Athetosis consists of slow, continuous, sinuous movements that seem to flow from one position to another, frequently affecting the hands, fingers, face, and tongue. It reflects dysfunction in the basal ganglia circuits and is classically seen in certain forms of cerebral palsy or after perinatal injury, though it can appear in other contexts as well.

Chorea would be rapid, irregular jerks; dystonia involves sustained, abnormal postures from muscle contractions; tics are brief, sudden, repetitive movements that may be suppressible. The slow, writhing, large-amplitude nature that involves the face and distal extremities best fits athetosis.