Mirror movements: mechanisms, diagnosis, and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Abstract

Mirror movements (MM) are involuntary, symmetrical motor actions that accompany voluntary movements of the opposite limb, arising from disruptions in corticospinal tract function and interhemispheric communication. While physiological MM occur transiently in early childhood, persistent MM are pathological and may be congenital, linked to genetic mutations affecting axon guidance, or acquired due to neurological injury. This review explores the epidemiology, classification, clinical presentation, and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of MM, emphasizing impaired interhemispheric inhibition and abnormal corticospinal projections. Advances in electrophysiology, neuroimaging, and genetics have improved diagnostic precision, yet standardized assessment protocols remain a challenge. Current treatment strategies include motor rehabilitation, neuromodulation, and assistive interventions, with emerging approaches such as genetic therapies showing promise. A multidisciplinary framework integrating clinical, genetic, and technological advancements is essential for optimizing management and improving quality of life for individuals with MM. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic tools and explore novel therapeutic targets.