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Treatment of paroxysmal dyskinesias in children

Jonathan W Mink1

  • 1Department of Neurology (Child Neurology), University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 631, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA, Jonathan_Mink@urmc.rochester.edu.

Current Treatment Options in Neurology
|April 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Paroxysmal dyskinesias are uncommon movement disorders with episodic abnormal movements. Treatment strategies focus on triggers, with anticonvulsants for PKD and benzodiazepines for PNKD, while dietary changes may help PED.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Movement Disorders

Background:

  • Paroxysmal dyskinesias are rare movement disorders characterized by intermittent abnormal movements.
  • Genetic research is advancing classification and understanding, but treatment remains phenotype-driven.
  • Triggers for episodes vary among subtypes, influencing therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding and treatment strategies for paroxysmal dyskinesias.
  • To highlight the phenotype-based approach to managing these movement disorders.
  • To discuss emerging treatment options and future directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of paroxysmal dyskinesias.
  • Analysis of treatment efficacy based on disorder subtype and precipitating factors.
  • Discussion of genetic advances and their clinical implications.

Main Results:

  • Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) responds well to anticonvulsants targeting sodium channels.
  • Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) often benefits from benzodiazepines and lifestyle modifications.
  • Paroxysmal exertion-induced dyskinesia (PED) may improve with ketogenic or modified Atkins diets.

Conclusions:

  • Treatment for paroxysmal dyskinesias is tailored to specific phenotypes and triggers.
  • Anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and dietary interventions show efficacy in different subtypes.
  • Further research into the underlying biology may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
Abstract

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