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Bobbling head in a young subject
Kalyan B Bhattacharyya1, Sumit Deb2, S N Ghosh2
1Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Insights
Bobble-head Doll Syndrome, a rare pediatric movement disorder, involves involuntary head bobbing. Treatment of the underlying cause, such as a third ventricle lesion, can resolve the symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Bobble-head Doll Syndrome is a rare pediatric movement disorder.
- It is characterized by rapid, rhythmic head movements (2-3 Hz).
- Often associated with structural brain lesions, particularly in the third ventricle.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old presented with continuous head bobbing and vision decline.
- MRI revealed a large, contrast-enhancing lesion in the third ventricle.
- Gross hydrocephalus was also noted.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was performed.
- Post-shunt insertion, the characteristic head movements completely resolved.
- This highlights the direct correlation between the lesion and the syndrome.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of underlying lesions are crucial.
- Effective management can lead to complete resolution of symptoms.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare neurological disorders in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Bobble-head Doll Syndrome is a rare and unique movement disorder found in children. Clinically, it is characterized by a to and fro or side to side movement of the head at the frequency of 2 to 3 Hz. It is mostly associated with cystic lesions around the third ventricle, choroid plexus papilloma, aqueductal stenosis and other rare disorders. An eleven year old child presented in the outpatient department with continuous to and fro movement of the head and declining vision for the last one month. MRI Scan showed a large contrast-enhanced lesion in the region of the third ventricle along with gross hydrocephalus. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was inserted and the movements of the head disappeared completely. Bobble-head doll syndrome is a rare condition and therefore this case is presented and the literature reviewed.
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