Pediatric Movement Disorders

The pediatric neurology program at The Alan and Barbara Mirken Department of Neurology treats a wide range of disorders that affect movement, including:

• Dystonia
• Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders
• Tremor
• Chorea
• Ataxia
• Juvenile Parkinson’s disease (The department is one of only 37 National Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence)
• Spasticity

The clinical experts within this highly specialized pediatric division are fellowship trained with subspecialty experience in the clinical care of pediatric movement disorders. Because of the complex nature of movement disorders, the department works closely with other multidisciplinary colleagues in Beth Israel Medical Center and throughout the Continuum health system, including genetic counselors and neuropsychologists.

Diagnosing Pediatric Movement Disorders
Pediatric Movement disorders are diagnosed through clinical evaluation of the patient’s history and symptoms, careful physical examination, and neuroimaging and laboratory studies, including genetic testing when appropriate.

Treating Pediatric Movement Disorders
Ongoing multi-disciplinary treatment is important for symptom control and for retaining quality of life in all pediatric movement disorders. The range of care can include:

• Oral medications
• botulinum toxin injections for dystonia and spasticity
• When appropriate, inclusion in clinical trials for new medications and protocols
• Referrals to other medical disciplines as needed, including referrals for deep-brain stimulation surgery when indicated
• Physical therapy to retain and improve function
• Occupational therapy to teach patients adaptive living skills
• Practical and emotional support for the child and family with input from the department’s social workers, including various support groups specifically geared toward the pediatric patient
• Collaborative psychological and psychiatric counseling and evaluation when necessary

The department is active in research and participates in many multi-center, national trials, often coordinating with other institutions in New York City, throughout the country, and abroad. Efforts include imaging research, explorations of new medications, and deepening the understanding of the causes and nature of pediatric movement disorders.

The department’s movement disorders specialists also maintain close ties with organizations such as the Movement Disorder Society and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation, among others.

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