Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2017; 15(04): 151-156
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1602256
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pediatric Motor Stereotypies: An Updated Review

Ahmed H. Subki
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Mohammed S. Alsallum
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Majed N. Alnefaie
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Abdulaziz M. Alkahtani
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Sameer A. Almagamsi
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Zaher S. Alshehri
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Rayyan A. Kinsara
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
,
Mohammed M. Jan
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

30 December 2016

15 March 2017

Publication Date:
18 April 2017 (online)

Abstract

Motor stereotypies are repetitive, purposeless movements that cannot be categorized into any of the known pathological movement disorders. They can be “primary,” occurring in normal children as a normal physiological variation or “secondary,” occurring in children with autism, intellectual disability, or other developmental disorders. Observation and videotaping are crucial for excluding seizures and other pathological movement disorders. They usually last for seconds to minutes and can occur spontaneously or be triggered by fatigue, excitement, or stress. Another key feature is the ability to suppress these movements by distraction or sensory stimulation. In this article, we aim to present an updated review of this topic and highlight important diagnostic tips and management pitfalls. Recognition of such movements is critical to prevent unnecessary investigations or treatments.

 
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