Stereotypic movement disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P 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.

T Causes
P Stereotypic movement disorder is more common among boys than girls. The movements often increase with stress, frustration, and boredom.
P The cause of this disorder, when it doesn't occur with other conditions, is unknown.
P 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.
P Head injuries may also cause stereotypic movements.

T Symptoms
P 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

T Exams and Tests
P A health care provider can usually diagnose this condition with a physical exam. Tests should be done to rule out other causes including:
- Autism
- Chorea disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Tourette syndrome or other tic disorder

T Treatment
P Treatment should focus on the cause, specific symptoms, and the person's age.
P The environment should be changed so that it is safer for people who may injure themselves.
P Behavioral techniques and psychotherapy may be helpful.
P Medicines may also help reduce symptoms related to this condition. Antidepressants have been used in some cases.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P 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.
P Stereotypic movements due to head injury may be permanent.
P The movement problems usually don't progress to other disorders (such as seizures).

T Possible Complications
P Severe stereotypic movements may interfere with normal social functioning.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider if your child has repeated, odd movements that last longer than a few hours.

T Alternative Names
P Motor stereotypies

T References
P 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.
P 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.

T Review Date 5/18/2016
P Updated 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.

