Pediatr. praxi. 2012;13(3):164-166

Primary stereotypic movements in children

MUDr.Lydie Koumarová

Neurologická klinika a Centrum klinických neurověd, Univerzita Karlova v Praze, 1. LF a VFN v Praze

Primary motor stereotypies (PMS) are repetitive rhythmical, apparently purposeless movement patterns which occur in children with

normal development. PMS can be divided into three subgroups: a) simple stereotypies (e. g. thumb and fingers sucking, nail-biting, teeth

grinding), b) head nodding (rhythmic movement of the head), c) complex motor stereotypies. Complex motor stereotypies can be very

diverse (e. g. shaking, waving, hands shaking, fingers and hair twisting, head and entire body swinging, mouth opening), but they are

always bound in a typical recurring pattern. Co-morbidity with tics, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive – compulsive

disorder (OCD) is frequent. Pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. Despite the generally benign course and sometimes

spontaneous withdrawal, in some cases therapy fails and the prognosis is uncertain.

Keywords: primary motor stereotypies, common and complex stereotypies, tics

Published: June 18, 2012  Show citation