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Published on: October 24, 2019
Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy
S Mosca1, J Martins1, T Temudo1
1Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy are temporary, non-epileptic episodes that resolve without lasting effects. This review focuses on recognizing and diagnosing these common infant movement disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Infancy presents unique movement disorders that are transient and benign.
- These conditions appear in the neonatal period and early childhood.
- They spontaneously resolve without long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy.
- To focus on the recognition and diagnostic approach for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders.
- Clinical recognition and diagnostic criteria analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified common entities: jitteriness, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, shuddering, benign myoclonus of early infancy, transient idiopathic dystonia, spasmus nutans, paroxysmal tonic upgaze, and benign paroxysmal torticollis.
- These disorders are characterized by non-epileptic paroxysmal episodes.
Conclusions:
- Accurate clinical diagnosis is essential for transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders.
- Correct recognition prevents parental anxiety and unnecessary investigations or treatments.
Introduction:
Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy encompass a group of disorders that appear during the neonatal period and in the first years of life, and that spontaneously disappear without leaving consequences. This article aimed to review the main transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy, focusing on recognition and diagnostic approach.
Development:
Overall, it includes entities such as: jitteriness, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, shuddering, benign myoclonus of early infancy, transient idiopathic dystonia in infancy, spasmus nutans, paroxysmal tonic upgaze of infancy, and benign paroxysmal torticollis.
Conclusion:
Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders are non-epileptic paroxysmal episodes, and their diagnosis is eminently clinical. The correct recognition of these entities is crucial to avoid anxiety, unnecessary complementary exams, and treatments.
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