When a child moves their body part – the leg, the hand, their jaw, or tongue to talk – there is a complex communication between their skeletal muscles, motor nerves, and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Any problem (malfunctioning or damage) to the areas of the brain that control movement may result in a movement disorder. Movement disorders in children are of different types with varying degrees of severity. Some movement disorders can affect only one area of the body, while others can affect many areas. Some disorders may affect certain tasks – such as speaking and writing, while others may cause mobility and walking difficulties.
Movement disorders symptoms
Not all disorders that affect mobility are considered as movement disorders – for instance, paralysis (lack of movement) and muscular dystrophy are not considered as movement disorders. Movement disorders are associated with unwanted and abnormal movements.
There are two main types of abnormal movements:
- Hyperkinetic movement: Increases movement or over movement or beyond the normal movement can affect the action the child takes (voluntary movement) or can affect the actions that are not under the control of the child (involuntary movement).
Examples of movement disorders involving hyperkinetic movement are ataxia, Akathisia, spasticity, myoclonus, dystonia, chorea, tremor, and Tics.
- Hypokinetic movement: Decreased or slow movement or less than the normal movement can usually affect the action the child takes (voluntary movement).
Parkinsonism is the main type of hypokinetic movement. It is an umbrella term used to describe brain conditions that cause balancing trouble, tremors, rigidity, or slowed movements. This is the least common movement disorder in children. It may result from brain injuries or due to side effects of medications. However, if a child has this disorder, he or she will have some of the symptoms of adult Parkinsonism – such as balance problems, rigid muscles, frequent falls, or slow movement (bradykinesia).
Some of the common types of movement disorders include restless leg syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and essential tremor.
Causes of Movement Disorders
A movement disorder may develop due to malfunctioning or damage to the part of the brain that controls movement including:
Cerebellum: Helps in the smooth coordination of limb movement and maintaining balance. Damage to this part of the brain can cause loss of coordination.
Primary motor cortex: Initiates voluntary movements. Damage to this part can result in a disturbance in fine motor movements.
Basal ganglia: helps in initiating voluntary muscle movement and coordinates changes in posture. Damage to this part of the brain can result in Parkinsonism, dystonia, and chorea.
Thalamus: It deals with sensory and motor functions. Damage to this part of the brain can cause motor impairments and tremors.
An injury or damage to these areas of the brain can result from:
Toxins, infections, traumatic brain injury, mutations or genetic disorders, acquired or inherited metabolic disorders, side effects of medicines, brain stroke, and other vascular diseases.
Movement Disorders Symptoms
Sings and symptoms associated with movement disorders can vary. However, most disorders cause abnormal movements. The severity of symptoms can also vary.
The common signs and symptoms of movement disorders may include:
- Walking difficulties or changes in the gait.
- Trouble speaking, writing, or swallowing.
- Coordination and balance issues
- Uncontrolled movements – such as shaking, twisting, jerks, tremors, spasms, and twitches manifest in episodes.
Abnormal movements can affect the following parts of a child’s body:
Trunk and posture, head and neck, facial muscles, feet and toes, hands and
fingers, limbs, and voice.
Diagnosis of movement disorders
Diagnosis of movement disorders is often tricky as several other conditions mimic this condition. Your pediatric neurologist performs several tests to make a diagnosis. The doctor begins with a detailed history and physical and neurological examination.
The pediatric neurologist may order an electroencephalogram (EEG) to check the electrical activity of the brain; Electromyography (EMG) to check the health of nerves and muscles; and blood tests to diagnose some types of movement disorders and to rule out other causes. In addition, pediatric neurologists also order imaging tests such as CT or MRI to diagnose movement disorders.
Treatment for movement disorders
Treatment depends on the type and symptoms. Though a majority of movement disorders don’t have a cure, the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Medicines can help manage symptoms. Therapies that help manage movement disorders and deal with symptoms include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation therapy.
If you think that your child may have movement disorders symptoms, then consult a pediatric neurologist.
