Diagnosing Common Movement Disorders in Children

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article is designed to help the clinician identify the most common pediatric movement disorders and recognize benign versus pathologic movements in infancy and childhood, with a particular focus on treatable conditions and those that should not be missed.

Recent findings: As telehealth has become more prevalent as a means of providing health care services, the challenges of obtaining relevant examination findings during telehealth encounters for assessment of children with movement disorders have become evident.

Summary: Although many children who present with a chief complaint of "abnormal movements" are found to have a benign, self-resolving etiology, it is critical that neurologists accurately recognize benign versus pathologic movements in children to ensure appropriate diagnosis and intervention.