Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
Volume 16, Issue 2 , Pages 77-81, June 2009

Motor Stereotypies

  • Harvey S. Singer, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress reprint requests to Harvey S. Singer, MD, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Rubenstein Child Health Building, Suite 2158, 200 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287

Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

Stereotypic movements are ubiquitous, occur in a variety of forms, and exist in different populations, ranging from individuals with autism to typically developing children. Although such movements are required to be restricted, repetitive, and purposeless, their definition and included activities remain broad and imprecise. Movements are typically classified into 2 groups, primary (physiological) and secondary (pathological), depending upon the presence of additional signs or symptoms. Although some view these movements as behaviors produced to alter a state of arousal, there is increasing evidence to support a neurobiological mechanism. Behavioral and pharmacological therapies have been used with varying effect.

Keywords: motor stereotypies, arm flapping/waving, head nodding, primary, pathological

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 10.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1071-9091(09)00015-1

doi:10.1016/j.spen.2009.03.008

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
Volume 16, Issue 2 , Pages 77-81, June 2009

Article Tools