3-1/2 yr old son has unusual muscle twitching

I've noticed that my son, Daniel, recently seems to have quite noticeable muscle twitching in his shoulders when he sits inactive.  He's always been unable to keep seated when he's not being occupied with something and runs and jumps back and forth from one side of the room to the other.  This often occurs while we're watching t.v.   But the last few days I've just noticed that his shoulders seem to jerk upwards (not at the same time) when he's just sitting around.  Sometimes his head jerks slightly but it's most noticeable in his shoulders.  I'm quite concerned because he was born 7 weeks premature.  He's not had any other problems since birth.  When he's kept occupied, for example, painting, coloring, etc., he seems to be fine but it's only while his mind doesn't seem to be occupied with something else.  Is this  growing muscle spasms possibly or a neurological problem I should bring up to my doctor.  Please help!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Sylvia,

You should definitely have your son's doctor examine him - this type of apparent involuntary muscle movement is not something you'd expect to any significant degree. Sometimes children who tend toward hyperactivity can display such movements, and of course such movements can represent a variety of neurological conditions. So the best thing is to pursue it medically.

[sylvia]

Thank you so much for such a rapid response!!!  What a wonderful thing your web site offers for people, for free!!  I'm sure you give quite a lot of people peace of mind.  Keep up the good work. Although, your response isn't quite what I wanted to hear, it is very informative!!!  Thank you, again.

[Julie]

My son exhibits the same behaviors-not the shourlder twitching, but when he's at home he will run back and forth or will just hop all over.  He is 3 1/2 and normally developing in every other area.  I'm wondering is you sought medical advice, and if you did what were the results?  My pediatrician said my son is most likely just doing it as soothing behavior.  But, I just want to make sure it isn't more.  Thanks!

[oldermom2003]

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[edominguez]

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