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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Can an infant have tics?
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Can an infant have tics?
by SewMommy, Nov 20, 2003 12:00AM
My 9 month old baby boy has "unusual movements" (that is what our pediatrician has called them).
The movements look like seizures. He had an E.E.G. done that showed that he is susceptible to seizures. After that, he had a 24 hour E.E.G. that came back normal. He has never had any bloodwork done.
The behaviors include:
* Tensing his arm and hand; stretching out his fingers in an awkward position; shaking it very quickly while staring intently at his shaking hand; usually making a growling sound at the same time.
* Slinging his head from side to side methodically for no reason. It sometimes starts when he is in a stare or concentrating on something and then his head starts to sling. It also seems to happen when he gets excited. He'll sling it a few times, stop for a few minutes and then do it again.
*Rhythmically hitting himself on his cheek with the back of his left hand. Often this happens while he is slinging his head from side to side.
*Staring intently at his hands while he slowly moves his fingers or waves them in front of his eyes.
*Grunting and clicking his mouth.
*Clapping his hands. He'll even do this just seconds after waking up.
A neurologist was in charge of his 24 hour E.E.G., but they never did a physical examination of him. They only asked us questions about family history. They did an MRI which came back normal. They have said it is all "normal behavior" and to not worry about it.
Is this normal? Can a 9 month old already have tics? Should he be further evaluated?
Thank you,
Connie
The movements look like seizures. He had an E.E.G. done that showed that he is susceptible to seizures. After that, he had a 24 hour E.E.G. that came back normal. He has never had any bloodwork done.
The behaviors include:
* Tensing his arm and hand; stretching out his fingers in an awkward position; shaking it very quickly while staring intently at his shaking hand; usually making a growling sound at the same time.
* Slinging his head from side to side methodically for no reason. It sometimes starts when he is in a stare or concentrating on something and then his head starts to sling. It also seems to happen when he gets excited. He'll sling it a few times, stop for a few minutes and then do it again.
*Rhythmically hitting himself on his cheek with the back of his left hand. Often this happens while he is slinging his head from side to side.
*Staring intently at his hands while he slowly moves his fingers or waves them in front of his eyes.
*Grunting and clicking his mouth.
*Clapping his hands. He'll even do this just seconds after waking up.
A neurologist was in charge of his 24 hour E.E.G., but they never did a physical examination of him. They only asked us questions about family history. They did an MRI which came back normal. They have said it is all "normal behavior" and to not worry about it.
Is this normal? Can a 9 month old already have tics? Should he be further evaluated?
Thank you,
Connie
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Nov 23, 2003 12:00AM
A child of this age would not have "tics" from a tic disorder. Unfortunately, when it comes to abnormal vs. normal movements it helps to see the movements. Therefore, I would recommend having an opinion with a pediatric neurologist. You are concerned enough by the movements, that obtaining an opinion will help answer your fears. Have all the previous reports with you so that the new doctor can review them, and only repeat tests which are necessary. From what you described, the normal MRI is encouraging because it helps to exclude structural problems. Good luck.
But, me nephew had some of those symptons and he was diagosned with PDD (persasive development disorder) with is some mild form of austism, or on the spectrum.
Like I said, I am no pro, but you could atleast ask.
Good Luck, I wish you the best!
Thanks anyway,
Connie
God bless,
Kass, proud mom to Chance(10), Madison(6), and Abby(5)- all with Mitochondrial Disease