Rhythmic movement disorder

Rhythmic movement disorder
Synonyms	Jactatio capitis nocturna
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Repetitive movements during sleep, such as head banging, body rocking, or head rolling
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically in infancy or early childhood
Duration	Can persist into adulthood
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, but may be related to developmental disorders
Risks	Sleep disruption, potential for injury
Diagnosis	Based on clinical history and polysomnography
Differential diagnosis	Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder, Restless legs syndrome, Periodic limb movement disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Behavioral therapy, safety measures, medication in severe cases
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in infants and young children
Deaths	N/A

Rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive movements of large muscle groups immediately before and during sleep often involving the head and neck. It was independently described first in 1905 by Zappert as jactatio capitis nocturna and by Cruchet as rhythmic movement disorder.

Symptoms and signs

RMD episodes typically last 15 minutes to 2 hours and occur at a frequency of 0.58 Hz. The movements can resemble head banging, head rolling, body rocking, body rolling and leg banging.

Causes

The exact cause of RMD is unknown, but it is believed to be related to stress and anxiety. It is also associated with developmental disorders and neurological disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of RMD is typically made through sleep study (polysomnography). This involves monitoring brain waves, muscle tension, eye movement, respiration, and the level of oxygen in the blood while the patient sleeps.

Treatment

Treatment for RMD is usually not necessary unless the disorder is causing significant sleep disruption or risk of injury. In such cases, treatment may include behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

See also

• Sleep disorder
• Parasomnia
• Restless legs syndrome