plagiocephaly and tics Flashcards
1
Q
what is plagiocephaly?
A
- disorder of the skull, makes the back or side of a baby head appear flattened
2
Q
what are the causes?
A
- pressure on outside on part of skull
- can occur from developing inside the womb
- main cause is sleeping position following SIDS
3
Q
what is the importance of plagiocephaly?
how can it be managed?
A
- entirely cosmetic, does not affect the baby
- more time spent on tummy than back
- rolled up towel under mattress
- physiotherapy for turning head
4
Q
what are tics? (the non animal kind)
A
- rapid repetitive, brief involuntary movements
- blinking, jerking or facial grimacing
5
Q
what are the causes of tics?
what medications?
A
- stress
- medications: ritalin, devdrine, adderall, tegretol
- viral infections and streptococcal
- PANDAS (paeds autoimmune neuropsych disorders)
6
Q
what should tics be differentiated from?
A
- chorea
- partial seizures (e.g. JME)
- asking them can they stop it and can then it makes it more likely to be a tic
7
Q
how do tics present?
A
- eye blinking, facial grimacing, nasal flaring or mouth opening
- worse under stress
- fluctuate in intensity and occur temporarily
- vocal tics: humming, grunting or swearing
8
Q
what are the red flag symptoms for tics?
A
- child unable to stop
- intense anxiety or pain when resisting
- behaviour causes physical discomfort (neck strain or sore muscles)
- behaviour interferes with functioning (in middle of sports event or test)
9
Q
when would you investigate a tic?
A
- Atypical features (Adult onset, uncharacteristic deterioration or progression of symptoms)
- learning difficulties or autism spectrum
- mostly uninvestigated
10
Q
how can it be managed?
A
- clondine, available in patch form, can calm down hyperactive behaviour and improve attention span
- psychological counselling, behavioural modification, support groups
