Treatable Movement Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood

Bhooma R Aravamuthan1, Toni S Pearson1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.

Seminars in Neurology
|February 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Early diagnosis of treatable childhood movement disorders is crucial. This study offers a practical framework to identify and manage these conditions, improving patient outcomes through targeted treatments and comorbidity surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Movement Disorders
  • Childhood Neurological Conditions

Background:

  • Childhood movement disorders present diagnostic challenges due to variable presentations and overlapping symptoms.
  • Identifying treatable movement disorders early is critical for effective management and improved prognosis.
  • Management strategies include disease-specific treatments, progression prevention, recovery acceleration, and comorbidity surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a practical, phenomenology-oriented framework for diagnosing treatable movement disorders in infants and young children.
  • To guide clinicians in the early identification and management of these specific pediatric neurological conditions.
  • To emphasize the importance of a structured approach for optimizing patient care.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a diagnostic and management framework based on clinical phenomenology.
  • Focus on identifying treatable movement disorders in infancy and early childhood.
  • Integration of symptom management, disease modification, and comorbidity care.

Main Results:

  • A systematic approach to diagnosing movement disorders based on observable characteristics.
  • Identification of key treatable conditions within the spectrum of childhood movement disorders.
  • Framework facilitates timely intervention, symptom reduction, and prevention of disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • A phenomenology-based framework aids in the early diagnosis and effective management of treatable childhood movement disorders.
  • Timely and accurate diagnosis leads to targeted interventions, potentially preventing long-term disability.
  • Vigilance for treatable conditions and comprehensive management are essential in pediatric neurology.

Related Concept Videos

Parkinson's Disease: Treatment01:24

Parkinson's Disease: Treatment

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
873
Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is...
1.6K
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
830
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
986
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
1.1K
Indirect Motor Pathways01:22

Indirect Motor Pathways

The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
2.9K