Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children

Movement disorders of the upper extremities in children are a group of conditions that affect the way a child moves their arms, hands, and fingers. These disorders can range from mild to severe, and they can affect one or both arms.

There are many different causes of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children. Some of the most common causes include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Muscular dystrophy
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke

The symptoms of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children: Conservative and Operative Therapy

by Dennis R. Harrison

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	144115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	655 pages

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• Difficulty reaching for objects
• Difficulty grasping objects
• Difficulty manipulating objects
• Tremor
• Dystonia
• Athetosis
• Chorea

Movement disorders of the upper extremities in children can have a significant impact on a child's ability to perform everyday activities. These disorders can make it difficult for children to eat, dress, play, and write. They can also lead to social and emotional problems.

The treatment for movement disorders of the upper extremities in children depends on the underlying cause. There is no cure for most movement disorders, but there are treatments that can help to improve a child's symptoms. These treatments may include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medication
• Surgery

The prognosis for children with movement disorders of the upper extremities varies depending on the underlying cause. Some children may experience significant improvement with treatment, while others may have more persistent symptoms. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most children with movement disorders of the upper extremities can learn to live full and active lives.

Types of Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children

There are many different types of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children. Some of the most common types include:

• Cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders that are caused by damage to the brain that occurs before or during birth. Cerebral palsy can affect one or both arms, and it can range from mild to severe.
• Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord does not close all the way during pregnancy. Spina bifida can affect the arms, legs, and trunk, and it can range from mild to severe.
• Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness. Muscular dystrophy can affect the arms, legs, and trunk, and it can range from mild to severe.
• Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism spectrum disorder can also affect a child's motor skills, including their ability to move their arms and hands.
• Traumatic brain injury is an injury to the brain that is caused by a blow to the head. Traumatic brain injury can affect any part of the brain, including the areas that control movement.
• Stroke is a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain. Stroke can affect any part of the brain, including the areas that control movement.

Symptoms of Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children

The symptoms of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Difficulty reaching for objects
• Difficulty grasping objects
• Difficulty manipulating objects
• Tremor
• Dystonia
• Athetosis
• Chorea

Difficulty reaching for objects is one of the most common symptoms of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children. Children with this symptom may have difficulty reaching for toys, food, or other objects that are out of reach.

Difficulty grasping objects is another common symptom of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children. Children with this symptom may have difficulty picking up objects, holding them securely, or releasing them.

Difficulty manipulating objects is a symptom of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children that can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities. Children with this symptom may have difficulty eating, dressing, playing, and writing.

Tremor is a type of involuntary shaking that can affect the arms, hands, or fingers. Tremor can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities.

Dystonia is a type of involuntary muscle contraction that can cause the arms, hands, or fingers to twist or turn into unusual positions. Dystonia can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities.

Athetosis is a type of involuntary muscle movement that can cause the arms, hands, or fingers to move slowly and writhingly. Athetosis can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities.

Chorea is a type of involuntary muscle movement that can cause the arms, hands, or fingers to move quickly and jerkily. Chorea can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities.

Diagnosis of Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children

The diagnosis of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children is based on a physical examination and a review of the child's medical history. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out other conditions.

Treatment of Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children

The treatment for movement disorders of the upper extremities in children depends on the underlying cause. There is no cure for most movement disorders, but there are treatments that can help to improve a child's symptoms. These treatments may include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medication
• Surgery

Physical therapy can help children with movement disorders of the upper extremities to improve their range of motion, strength, and coordination. Physical therapy can also help children to learn how to use their arms and hands more effectively.

Occupational therapy can help children with movement disorders of the upper extremities to learn how to perform everyday activities, such as eating, dressing, playing, and writing. Occupational therapy can also help children to develop compensatory strategies for their movement difficulties.

Speech therapy can help children with movement disorders of the upper extremities to improve their speech and language skills. Speech therapy can also help children to learn how to use their mouths and tongues more effectively.

Medication can be used to treat some of the symptoms of movement disorders of the upper extremities in children. Medications can help to reduce tremor, dystonia, athetosis, and chorea.

Surgery may be an option for children with severe movement disorders of the upper extremities. Surgery can be used to correct muscle imbalances, release tight muscles, or lengthen tendons.

Prognosis for Children with Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities

The prognosis for children with movement disorders of the upper extremities varies depending on the underlying cause. Some children may experience significant improvement with treatment, while others may have more persistent symptoms. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most children with movement disorders of the upper extremities can learn to live full and active lives.

Movement Disorders of the Upper Extremities in Children: Conservative and Operative Therapy

by Dennis R. Harrison

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	144115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	655 pages

FREE