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Intense imagery movements: a common and distinct paediatric subgroup of motor stereotypies
Author(s) -
Robinson Sally,
Woods Martin,
Cardona Francesco,
Baglioni Valentina,
Hedderly Tammy
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.12518
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , psychology , movement disorders , referral , motor imagery , stereotypy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , pediatrics , developmental psychology , psychiatry , medicine , physical therapy , electroencephalography , neuroscience , family medicine , brain–computer interface , disease , dopamine , biology , paleontology , amphetamine , pathology
Aim The aim of this article is to describe a subgroup of children who presented with stereotyped movements in the context of episodes of intense imagery. This is of relevance to current discussions regarding the clinical usefulness of diagnosing motor stereotypies during development. Method The sample consisted of 10 children (nine males, one female; mean age 8y 6mo [ SD 2y 5mo], range 6–15y). Referrals were from acute paediatricians, neurologists, and tertiary epilepsy services. Children were assessed by multidisciplinary teams with expertise in paediatric movement disorders. Results Stereotypies presented as paroxysmal complex movements involving upper and lower limbs. Imagery themes typically included computer games (60%), cartoons/films (40%), and fantasy scenes (30%). Comorbid developmental difficulties were reported for 80% of children. Brain imaging and electrophysiological investigations had been conducted for 50% of the children before referral to the clinic. Interpretation The descriptive term ‘intense imagery movements’ ( IIM ) was applied if (after interview) the children reported engaging in acts of imagery while performing stereotyped movements. We believe these children may form a common and discrete stereotypy subgroup, with the concept of IIM being clinically useful to ensure the accurate diagnosis and clinical management of this paediatric movement disorder.