Gross motor difficulties:

• Clumsiness when walking, running, riding a bike, playing sports, etc.
• Difficulty maintaining balance, falling, or abnormal walking
• Arms and/or legs may be stiff or tight (called spasticity)
• Erratic pace, or slow movements
• Limited range of motion

Fine motor difficulties:

• Messy writing, untied shoelaces
• Difficulty using utensils or picking up small objects
• Difficulty with self-care tasks such as brushing teeth and combing hair

Possible causes:

• Damage to the following areas can result in motor impairments
  • Primary motor cortex – controls the movements of muscles
  • Basal ganglia – which controls position and voluntary movement
  • Cerebellum – monitors the muscles during movement and is important for balance and coordination

Possible complications:

• Muscle weakness may affect the ability to control the bowel and bladder
• Spasticity (muscles continuously contracting) may cause pain and discomfort
• Difficulty taking part in social, recreational, and leisure activities
• Depression, anger, and frustration
• Participation difficulties may make it difficult to make and keep personal and professional relationships