[Neurodevelopmental outcome of children with idiopathic toe-walking]
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Published on: November 3, 2016
Insights
Fifty percent of children with idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) experience neurodevelopmental issues like clumsiness and hyperactivity. Early monitoring and intervention are crucial for these children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Context:
- Idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) is a common gait abnormality in children.
- The neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with ITW require further investigation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome in a cohort of children diagnosed with idiopathic toe-walking.
Summary:
- A follow-up study assessed 26 children with ITW, aged 3 to 14 years.
- Results indicated that 50% (13/26) exhibited neurodevelopmental problems, including clumsiness and hyperkinesia.
- Normal intelligence was observed in 22 children, with 9 presenting with associated issues; 4 children had borderline intelligence, 2 with clumsiness.
Impact:
- This study highlights a significant association between idiopathic toe-walking and neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Findings underscore the importance of comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment and timely intervention for children with ITW.
Abstract:
Twenty-six children with idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) were evaluated as to their neurodevelopmental outcome by means of a follow-up study. The ages of the subjects at the last follow-up ranged from 3 years and 4 months to 14 years and 10 months (mean: 7 years and 4 months). The neurodevelopmental outcome in the subjects was normal intelligence in 22 (of which 5 were clumsy and 4 were hyperkinetic), and borderline intelligence in 4 (of which 2 were clumsy). Thus, 13 of the 26 cases (50%) had neurodevelopmental problems including clumsiness and hyperkinesia. It is noteworthy that there was a high rate of the neurodevelopmental problems among the children with ITW. The clinical course of children with ITW should be carefully followed-up, and the appropriate care and intervention should be given to them, when the children are found to have these problems.
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