Movement Disorders at Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic | Specialized Care for Children

We provide expert diagnosis and treatment for children with movement disorders. These conditions, which involve abnormal or involuntary movements, can impact a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, writing, or even speaking. Our clinic offers a comprehensive approach to managing movement disorders, ensuring children receive the care and support they need to live fulfilling, active lives.

What Are Movement Disorders?

Movement disorders are a group of conditions that cause abnormal movement patterns. These disorders can involve either too much movement (hyperkinesia) or too little movement (hypokinesia), and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological conditions, genetic factors, or trauma. Some common movement disorders in children include:

  • Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling movements, which can occur at rest or during activity.
  • Dystonia: A condition where muscles contract uncontrollably, causing twisting or repetitive movements, or abnormal postures.
  • Chorea: Involuntary, rapid, irregular movements that can affect the face, hands, and other parts of the body.
  • Ataxia: Lack of coordination and balance, often resulting in unsteady walking and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
  • Tourette Syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements (tics) and vocalizations (such as throat clearing or grunting).
  • Parkinsonism: A condition involving symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, slow movements, and muscle stiffness, though it is rare in children.

Signs and Symptoms of Movement Disorders

Children with movement disorders may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Involuntary Movements: Jerky, repetitive, or uncontrollable movements of the arms, legs, or face.
  • Posture Abnormalities: Abnormal body posture, such as twisting, curving, or arching.
  • Balance and Coordination Issues: Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting without support.
  • Slowness of Movement: Difficulty initiating or completing tasks that require movement, such as buttoning clothes or brushing teeth.
  • Tics or Vocalizations: Repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds, such as blinking or throat clearing.

If you notice these symptoms in your child, it’s important to seek professional evaluation and care. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes and providing your child with the support they need.

Diagnosis of Movement Disorders at Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic

Diagnosing movement disorders requires a comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric neurologist. At Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic, we follow a detailed process that includes:

  1. Medical History Review: A thorough understanding of the child’s symptoms, family history, and developmental milestones.
  2. Physical and Neurological Examination: A detailed assessment of motor skills, muscle tone, coordination, and balance to observe any abnormal movements or postures.
  3. Neuroimaging: Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans may be used to look for any structural issues in the brain or nervous system.
  4. Genetic Testing: If a genetic movement disorder is suspected, genetic testing may be performed to identify any underlying hereditary conditions.
  5. Specialized Tests: Additional tests like EEG (electroencephalogram) may be used if seizures are suspected to be contributing to abnormal movements.

Our expert team works together to develop a diagnosis based on these comprehensive assessments and determine the best treatment plan.

Treatment for Movement Disorders at Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic

At Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic, we offer a range of treatment options for children with movement disorders, tailored to each child’s specific condition and needs. Treatment may involve a combination of medical management, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

1. Medications

For many movement disorders, medications can help control symptoms. These may include:

  • Anticholinergic drugs: Used to treat dystonia and tremors by reducing muscle stiffness.
  • Dopamine Agonists: These can help manage symptoms of Parkinsonism or other dopamine-related conditions.
  • Anticonvulsants: Medications to manage tics or involuntary movements.
  • Botox Injections: In some cases, Botox can be injected into specific muscles to reduce muscle spasms and abnormal postures, especially in dystonia.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role in managing movement disorders. PT can help children:

  • Improve coordination and balance
  • Increase muscle strength
  • Enhance fine motor skills and control

Tailored exercises and activities can help children overcome difficulties with everyday tasks such as walking, running, and climbing stairs.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on improving daily living skills by addressing fine motor coordination. OT may help children with movement disorders:

  • Develop skills for tasks such as writing, eating, or dressing
  • Use assistive devices to improve independence
  • Enhance hand-eye coordination and muscle control

4. Speech Therapy

If a child’s movement disorder affects their ability to speak or swallow, speech therapy may be necessary. This therapy focuses on improving:

  • Speech clarity and volume
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Breathing control for effective speech

5. Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy

For children with tics or movement disorders that involve compulsive behaviors (such as in Tourette Syndrome), behavioral therapy can help in managing symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children manage tics by learning relaxation techniques, distractions, and alternative behaviors to reduce the frequency of tics.

Why Choose Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic?

  • Expert Care: Our team consists of highly experienced pediatric neurologists, therapists, and specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating movement disorders in children.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: We offer a wide range of treatment options, including medications, therapies, and behavioral interventions, to provide holistic care for children with movement disorders.
  • Family-Centered Approach: We believe in a collaborative approach and work closely with families to ensure that they are fully informed and involved in their child’s treatment journey.
  • Personalized Plans: Every child is unique, so we develop customized treatment plans based on individual needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Take the First Step Towards Effective Treatment

If your child is experiencing unusual or involuntary movements, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Contact Vidya Vikas Child Neuroclinic today to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We’re here to support your child in overcoming movement challenges and achieving a higher quality of life.