A child came to the clinic with continuous involuntary movement of his head and extremities and difficulty in vocal communication

A child came to the clinic

 with continuous involuntary movement of his head and extremities and difficulty in vocal communication; 

The condition is described as:

  • Epilepsy.
  • Cerebral palsy***
All types of cerebral palsy are characterized by abnormal muscle tone (i.e. slouching over while sitting), reflexes, or motor development and coordination. There can be joint and bone deformities and contractures (permanently fixed, tight muscles and joints). The classical symptoms are spasticities, spasms, other involuntary movements (e.g. facial gestures), unsteady gait, problems with balance, and/or soft tissue findings consisting largely of decreased muscle mass. Scissor walking (where the knees come in and cross) and toe walking (which can contribute to a gait reminiscent of a marionette) are common among people with CP who are able to walk, but taken on the whole, CP symptomatology is very diverse. The effects of cerebral palsy fall on a continuum of motor dysfunction which may range from slight clumsiness at the mild end of the spectrum to impairments so severe that they render coordinated movement virtually impossible at the other end the spectrum.

Secondary conditions can include seizures, epilepsy, apraxia, dysarthria or other communication disorders, eating problems, sensory impairments, mental retardation, learning disabilities, and/or behavioral disorders.

Speech and language disorders are common in people with Cerebral Palsy.

Which part of the nervous system controls automatic involuntary functions?

The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal.

What are involuntary muscles for kids?

Smooth muscles — sometimes also called involuntary muscles — are usually in sheets, or layers, with one layer of muscle behind the other. You can't control this type of muscle. Your brain and body tell these muscles what to do without you even thinking about it.

What are movement disorders in children?

A movement disorder is a condition that arises in the brain that causes a child to move too much or too little. It can result in a repetitive extra movement or sound, like a motor or vocal tic, or involve a shaking tremor, stiffened posture of the muscles, or difficulties with balance and coordination.

What is the most common movement disorder in children?

Tics as the most common movement disorder in childhood, are involuntary, rapid, abrupt, repetitive, recurrent, and nonrhythmic movements or vocalizations. Tics are suppressible and almost always disappear at sleep and can be exacerbating with stress, excitement and anxiety (20-22).

Can anxiety cause involuntary movements?

Some healthcare professionals say that anxiety induces the release of stress hormones in the body, which in turn causes involuntary muscle movements, such as twitches. ² Your brain reacts to the stress by triggering either a fight, flight, or freeze response.

What is involuntary movement of head and neck?

Cervical dystonia


Involuntary contractions and spasms in the neck muscles can range from mild to severe and cause your head and neck to twist or be pulled forwards, backwards or from side to side. Muscle spasms and contractions often cause neck pain and stiffness.

What is involuntary head nodding in children?

Nodding syndrome is an unexplained neurologic condition characterized by episodes of repetitive dropping forward of the head, often accompanied by other seizure-like activity, such as convulsions or staring spells.

What is the most common involuntary movement disorder?

"Essential" Tremor (ET) (Kinetic Tremor / Familial Tremor)


Most common involuntary movement disorder, typified by a rapid postural tremor most often of the upper extremities. Progressive, may appear at anytime of life but most commonly >70 years. Mainly a postural tremor but if worsened, will occur at rest.

What is involuntary eye and head movement in child?

Spasmus nutans is a disorder affecting infants and young children. It involves rapid, uncontrolled eye movements, head bobbing, and sometimes, holding the neck in an abnormal position.

What part of the brain deals with involuntary movement?

The brain stem is in charge of all the functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood. Part of the brain stem's job is to control your involuntary muscles — the ones that work automatically, without you even thinking about it.

What is the name of the involuntary movements that are very important in childhood development?

Babies are born with newborn reflexes. These are involuntary movements that are a normal part of infant development. For example, if you put your finger in your newborn's hand, the baby will take hold of it.

What is involuntary movement a symptom of?

Involuntary muscle movements could be caused by several factors, including chronic diseases, medication side effects, brain injury, stroke, trauma, or lack of oxygen in the brain. Working with a neurologist will help you determine what is causing your involuntary muscle movements and how to treat them.

What causes involuntary head movements?

Involuntary head twitching can be caused by a number of different movement disorders. This can range from neck spasms to Parkinson's disease. The common types of movement disorders that affect the head, neck, and face include: Cervical dystonia.

What causes involuntary movements in children?

Movement disorders can result from many types of brain injury, such as head trauma, infection, inflammation, metabolic disturbances, toxins, or unintended side effects of medications. They can also be a symptom of other, underlying diseases or conditions, including genetic disorders.
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