Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Stereotypic movement disorder
Motor stereotypies
Stereotypic movement disorder is a condition in which a person makes repetitive, purposeless movements. These can be hand waving, body rocking, or head banging. The movements interfere with normal activity or may cause bodily harm.
Causes
Stereotypic movement disorder is more common among boys than girls. The movements often increase with stress, frustration, and boredom.
The cause of this disorder, when it doesn't occur with other conditions, is unknown.
Stimulant drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can cause a severe, short period of movement behavior. This may include picking, hand wringing, head tics, or lip-biting. Long-term stimulant use may lead to longer periods of the behavior.
Head injuries may also cause stereotypic movements.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this disorder may include any of the following movements:
- Biting self
- Hand shaking or waving
- Head banging
- Hitting own body
- Mouthing of objects
- Nail biting
- Rocking
Exams and Tests
A health care provider can usually diagnose this condition with a physical exam. Tests should be done to rule out other causes including:
-
Autism
Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder. It often appears in the first 3 years of life. ASD affects the brain's ability to devel...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Chorea disorders
Chorea disorders
Jerky body movement is a condition in which a person makes fast movements that they cannot control and that have no purpose. These movements interru...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Tourette syndrome
or other tic disorder
Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make repeated, quick movements or sounds that they cannot control.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Treatment
Treatment should focus on the cause, specific symptoms, and the person's age.
The environment should be changed so that it is safer for people who may injure themselves.
Behavioral techniques and psychotherapy may be helpful.
Medicines may also help reduce symptoms related to this condition. Antidepressants have been used in some cases.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook depends on the cause. Stereotypic movements due to drugs usually go away on their own after a few hours. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to longer periods of stereotypic movement behavior. The movements usually go away once the drug is stopped.
Stereotypic movements due to head injury may be permanent.
The movement problems usually don't progress to other disorders (such as seizures).
Possible Complications
Severe stereotypic movements may interfere with normal social functioning.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if your child has repeated, odd movements that last longer than a few hours.
References
Ryan CA, Trieu ML, DeMaso DR, Walter HJ. Motor disorders and habits. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 24.
Singer HS, Mink JW, Gilbert DL, Jankovic J. Motor stereotypies. In: Singer HS, Mink JW, Gilbert DL, Jankovic J, eds. Movement Disorders in Childhood . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Academic Press; 2016:chap 8.
Review Date: 5/18/2016
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
