Movement Disorders in Children: A Primer for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists

Movement disorders are a group of neurologic diseases characterized by abnormalities in motor function that are not attributable to weakness or spasticity. They are divided into hyperkinetic (involuntary movements) or hypokinetic (paucity of movement). In this article, we will present common clinical scenarios where physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists are likely to encounter movement disorders. Then, we will discuss pharmacologic interventions, focusing on medications specific to phenomenologies that may be encountered in physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics. Finally, we will provide an overview of deep brain stimulation for refractory movement disorders.