Bruxism in Rett syndrome: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting females.
• It is characterized by impaired brain connectivity during early development.
• Common repetitive behaviors include hand-to-mouth actions and bruxism.

Observation:

• A five-year-old female patient diagnosed with Rett syndrome presented with severe bruxism.
• Bruxism is also observed in children with musculoskeletal disorders and intellectual disabilities.
• The patient exhibited typical Rett syndrome characteristics alongside pronounced teeth grinding.

Findings:

• The case underscores a potential link between Rett syndrome and significant bruxism.
• Bruxism in Rett syndrome may indicate underlying neurological or connectivity deficits.
• This presentation adds to the understanding of symptom variability in Rett syndrome.

Implications:

• Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of bruxism in Rett syndrome is warranted.
• Understanding this association may aid in early diagnosis and management strategies.
• This case highlights the importance of recognizing diverse clinical manifestations in rare genetic disorders.