title: Benign and periodic movement disorders in 2 children with Down syndrome.
abstract: Children with Down syndrome show hypotonia and ligamentous laxity that are associated with motor development delay. Neurologic disorders are common in children with Down syndrome; however, in literature the presence of periodic movement disorders has not yet been described. We report 2 different types of periodic movement disorders in 2 infants with Down syndrome. In the first case, we described an 8-month-old girl with involuntary head nodding and absence of any other neurologic or ophthalmologic abnormalities. In the second case, we described a 6-month-old boy with abnormal but painless head rotation and inclination, alternating from side to side. Episodes of head tilting were often associated with a state of general uneasiness. Neurologic examination between attacks was normal. The aim of this paper is to provide practical information on recognition and management of movement disorders in Down syndrome.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa (Calambrone), Italy Stella Maris Scientific Institute, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Purpura
authors.affiliation: Stella Maris Scientific Institute, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Margherita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bozza
authors.affiliation: Stella Maris Scientific Institute, Pisa, Italy s.bargagna@inpe.unipi.it.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bargagna
mesh_terms: D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Down syndrome; benign movement disorders; head tremor