What is Movement Disorder ?
Abnormal movements in children can be confusing and scary for parents – is it “just a habit,” a side effect
of stress, or something serious in the brain? Pediatric movement disorders include tics, tremors, jerky or
twisting movements, walking difficulties, abnormal postures, episodic stiffness or floppiness. At the
Pediatric Movement Disorders Clinic, Vishwalata NeuroConnect, our pediatric neurologist carefully evaluates
these symptoms to find the cause, rule out serious conditions, and create a practical treatment and
rehabilitation plan so your child can move, play and learn with confidence.
Understanding Movement Disorders in Children
A movement disorder means that the brain’s control of movement is disrupted, even though muscles and nerves
may be structurally normal. In children, this may appear as:
- Tics: repeated blinking, throat-clearing, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging or vocal sounds that the child can briefly suppress but feel “forced” to do.
- Dystonia: abnormal twisting or sustained postures of neck, trunk or limbs.
- Chorea / choreoathetosis: irregular, dance-like or writhing movements.
- Myoclonus: sudden, brief jerks of muscles.
- Tremor: rhythmic shaking of hands, head or voice.
- Ataxia: clumsy, unsteady walking and poor coordination.
Some movements are benign and self-limited, while others may signal genetic, metabolic, autoimmune,
infectious or structural brain disease. Our job is to distinguish normal variants and “habits” from true
movement disorders and to treat those that need intervention.
Common causes of pediatric movement disorders include:
- Primary (genetic) conditions: Tourette syndrome, primary dystonias, hereditary ataxias, benign familial tremor.
- Secondary causes: perinatal brain injury / cerebral palsy, infections (including post-streptococcal chorea), autoimmune disorders (PANDAS/PANS, autoimmune encephalitis), metabolic or genetic diseases (e.g., Wilson’s disease), drug side effects, structural lesions (stroke, tumour), post-hypoxic or post-infectious states.
- Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders: abnormal movements related to stress or psychological factors, where the brain “software” is affected rather than its structure.
- Evaluation typically includes detailed history (onset, triggers, progression, family history), neurological examination, video review of events, and when needed: blood tests (including copper studies, metabolic / autoimmune work-up), MRI brain, EEG, or genetic testing.
Management is tailored to the exact diagnosis:
Behavioural and habit-reversal therapy for tics and some functional movements.
- Medications (e.g., for tics, dystonia, chorea, myoclonus, tremor) carefully chosen to balance benefit and side effects.
- Treating underlying triggers: infections, autoimmune processes, metabolic derangements, medication-induced causes.
- Rehabilitation: physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy for dystonia, ataxia or CP-related movement problems.
In selected severe cases, botulinum toxin injections or referral for deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be
considered at specialised centres. Psychological support for child and family when anxiety, stress or
ADHD/OCD coexist with movement disorders (very common in Tourette syndrome and tics).
Clinical Insights - Causes & Management
Red Flags - When Should Parents Seek Help?
You should seek a pediatric neurology consultation if you notice:
- New abnormal movements that are repetitive or interfering with daily activities, speech or sleep
- Movements associated with regression in milestones, school decline, behaviour or personality change
- Abnormal movements with headache, seizures, vomiting, imbalance or vision problems
- Sudden onset of chorea or dystonia following fever or infection
- Suspected Wilson’s disease signs - movement disorder with liver issues, psychiatric changes, or family history
- Movements that are progressively worsening over weeks to months
- Treat as an emergency if movements are accompanied by altered sensorium, severe headache, continuous seizures, breathing difficulty or acute weakness.
Why Vishwalata NeuroConnect for Pediatric Movement Disorders?
Pediatric Neurologist
led clinic with specific expertise in childhood movement disorders, tics and complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
Comprehensive assessment
careful clinical observation, video review and targeted investigations - not just symptomatic treatment.
Individualised therapy
combining medication (only when needed), behavioural techniques, psychological support and neurorehabilitation.
Family education
clear explanation of the diagnosis (including reassuring parents when movements are benign), written action plans and school guidance where required.
Navi Mumbai focused
convenient access for families from Vashi, Koparkhairane and surrounding areas, in a child-friendly setting.