Stereotypic Movement Disorder Overview
Learn About Stereotypic Movement Disorder
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.
Motor stereotypies
Stereotypic movement disorder is more common among boys than girls. The movements often increase with stress, frustration, and boredom.
The cause of this disorder, when it doesn't occur with other conditions, is unknown.
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.
Head injuries may also cause stereotypic movements.
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
Treatment should focus on the cause, specific symptoms, and the person's age.
The environment should be changed so that it is safer for people who may injure themselves.
Behavioral techniques and psychotherapy may be helpful.
Medicines may also help reduce symptoms related to this condition. Antidepressants have been used in some cases.
Kennedy Krieger Associates
Harvey Singer is a Neurologist and a Pediatrics provider in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Singer and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stereotypic Movement Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Tourette Syndrome, Stereotypic Movement Disorder, Transient Tic Disorder, and Movement Disorders. Dr. Singer is currently accepting new patients.
Mirko Uljarevic practices in Cardiff, United Kingdom. Uljarevic and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Stereotypic Movement Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Stereotypic Movement Disorder, Ruvalcaba Syndrome, and Williams Syndrome.
Baylor College Of Medicine
Joseph Jankovic is a Neurologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Jankovic and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stereotypic Movement Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Benign Essential Blepharospasm, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, Movement Disorders, Torticollis, and Deep Brain Stimulation.
The outlook depends on the cause. Stereotypic movements due to medicines 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.
Stereotypic movements due to head injury may be permanent.
The movement problems usually don't progress to other disorders (such as seizures).
Severe stereotypic movements may interfere with normal social functioning.
Contact your provider if your child has repeated odd movements that last longer than a few hours.
Published Date: April 17, 2024
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Jankovic J, Hallett M, Okun MS, Comella C, Fahn S, Goldman J. Stereotypies. In: Jankovic J, Hallett M, Okun MS, Comella C, Fahn S, Goldman J, eds. Principles and Practice of Movement Disorders. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 16.
Kim JW, Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Motor disorders and habits. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 37.
Singer HS, Mink JW, Gilbert DL, Jankovic J. Motor stereotypies. In: Singer HS, Mink JW, Gilbert DL, Jankovic J, eds. Movement Disorders in Childhood. 3rd ed. San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press; 2022:chap 8.