leg twitch in 16 month old

[baidwansherry]

Hello

My son is 16 months old and over the last few months he seems to kick his right leg out, like a pulsing motion, over and over again when he is focussed on something.  he crosses the right leg over the left, and start moving it as if he's pushing a gas pedal.  he clenches all his muscles up quite tight.  he even does this sometimes when he's standing and leaning against the sofa.  all other behaviours seem fine, and he's met or exceeded his milestones.  it almost seems as though it is a reflex of some kind.  My family doctor doesn't seem concerned  but i have never seen any other child do this.  is this normal or should we be concerned?

Sherry

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I agree with the pediatrician's perspective - this does not sound atypical for the age. But if you sense that the behavior may be some type of involuntary muscle movement, ask for a consult with a pediatric neurologist.