Definition: Hemiballismus refers to a rare movement disorder characterized by involuntary, brief, and violent flinging or throwing movements of a limb or limbs on one side of the body. These movements are typically unpredictable and can affect the arm, leg, or both, causing significant impairment in motor function.

Hemiballismus is typically associated with the following symptoms:

• Uncontrolled jerky movements, often described as flinging or throwing motions.
• Involuntary and exaggerated movements that occur on one side of the body, typically affecting the arms and/or legs.
• Sudden and intermittent nature of movements, which may last for a few seconds to several minutes.

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• Difficulty in controlling or restraining affected limb(s) during movement.
• Impaired coordination and fine motor skills on the affected side.
• May present with additional neurological symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.

Hemiballismus is most commonly caused by:

• Damage or dysfunction in the contralateral subthalamic nucleus of the brain, usually due to stroke, vascular malformation, or other vascular lesions.
• Less frequently, it can result from other conditions affecting the basal ganglia, such as brain tumors, infections, or neurodegenerative disorders.

Treatment options for hemiballismus may include:

• Pharmacological interventions using medications such as neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol) or antiepileptic drugs (e.g., valproic acid) to reduce symptoms.
• Surgical approaches targeting the specific cause or deep brain stimulation for severe cases that do not respond well to medications.
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve motor skills and regain functional independence.
• Management of any underlying conditions or comorbidities contributing to the development of hemiballismus.