Movement Disorders

Pediatric movement disorder is an emerging specialty within child neurology. Abnormal movements are often encountered following injury, requiring rehabilitation professionals to characterize and treat these disorders. In children, primary movement disorders are often due to underlying genetic causes, while secondary disorders are typically a result of structural brain injuries, metabolic abnormalities, or medication side effects. Movement disorders are classified into two major categories: hyperkinetic and hypokinetic disorders. Hyperkinetic disorders are more common in children than in adults and include chorea, dystonia, myoclonus, tremor, and tics. Parkinsonism is the most common hypokinetic disorder; however, it is less frequently seen in children. This chapter provides a brief overview of common pediatric movement disorders, such as chorea, dystonia, myoclonus, tremor, tics, ataxia, paroxysmal dyskinesias, stereotypies, and parkinsonism, and discusses the causes and management of these common pediatric movement disorders.