Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
06:59

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue

Published on: July 6, 2017

Recurrent nocturnal tongue biting in a child with hereditary chin trembling

Jatinder S Goraya1, Verinderjit Virdi, Veena Parmar

  • 1Section of Child Neurology, St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA.

Journal of Child Neurology
|November 10, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hereditary chin trembling, a rare genetic disorder, caused tongue biting in a child during sleep. Clonazepam effectively treated the tongue biting, a symptom linked to parasomnia, but not the chin trembling itself.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Hereditary chin trembling is a rare autosomal dominant disorder.
  • It is characterized by involuntary mentalis muscle contractions.
  • This condition's presentation in India is reported for the first time.

Observation:

  • A 13-month-old boy experienced recurrent tongue biting episodes exclusively during sleep.
  • The patient was diagnosed with hereditary chin trembling.
  • Tongue biting was suspected to be a manifestation of parasomnia.

Findings:

  • Treatment with clonazepam successfully eliminated the tongue biting symptom.
  • Clonazepam did not impact the underlying chin trembling.
  • This suggests a specific link between parasomnia and tongue biting in this case.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a novel presentation of hereditary chin trembling.
  • It underscores the importance of considering parasomnia in sleep-related oral behaviors.
  • Pharmacological management with clonazepam may be beneficial for sleep-related tongue biting in similar cases.

Related Concept Videos

Tongue01:01

Tongue

The human tongue is a fascinating and complex organ, responsible for various essential functions such as swallowing, speech, and taste. It is also subject to various conditions and diseases. In this article, we delve into the anatomy of the tongue, its roles, and some common conditions that can affect it.
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors01:27

Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
Deglutition01:25

Deglutition

Swallowing, otherwise known as deglutition, facilitates the transport of food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a multifaceted process that involves both the tongue and the muscles of the throat and esophagus. Saliva and mucus aid in this process, which takes approximately 4 to 8 seconds for semi-solid or solid food and around 1 second for liquids or very soft food.
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Oral01:16

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Oral

The oral stage is the initial phase of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, occurring from birth to approximately 12 to 18 months. During this period, the infant's mouth serves as the primary source of pleasure, with actions such as sucking, chewing, biting, and drinking playing a crucial role in reducing tension. These activities are essential not only for nourishment but also for the infant's psychological and emotional satisfaction.
Weaning, typically occurring around the age...
Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.