As soon as children are born, they are learning to navigate the world through touch and movement. In the beginning, children can’t move around on their own and lack control. As they grow, they start crawling around and eventually walking. Some children will experience movement issues that make their development difficult, though, and parents must watch out for potential problems.
It’s common for parents to worry that their children are not crawling or walking soon enough. All children develop at a different rate and, even though there are some general milestones they should meet, you don’t need to panic if they develop a little slower. You should be concerned if you notice a big difference in their ability to move around and explore the world, though.
Things That Cause Movement Issues in Kids
Ataxia
Ataxia is a brain disorder that causes movement issues in kids. It affects the cerebellum, which is the area of the brain that governs movement, and it causes children to be uncoordinated and clumsy. Ataxia may also lead to problems with balance and affect their ability to speak.
There are several different causes of ataxia, including autoimmune diseases, head traumas, infections, strokes, or even brain tumors. It can also be an inherited condition, so if one of the parents suffers from it, the child should be evaluated, too. Many potential causes of ataxia are serious, so if you notice a difference in the way your child moves, you should seek medical advice right away.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a condition caused by brain injuries, and it is usually due to complications during birth. There are many different types of cerebral palsy and the type is determined by the area of the brain that has been injured.
Ataxic cerebral palsy is a rare condition where the symptoms of ataxia occur in people with cerebral palsy. Usually, the condition will be recognized when the baby is born because it results from a difficult birth but can be missed. It is typically characterized by tightness in the muscles, leading to jerking movements and loss of control.
Chorea
Chorea is an involuntary movement disorder that can affect children as well as adults. It is the result of overactivity in areas of the brain that govern movement. The movements are subtly different from the movements you may observe in a child with other movement conditions. They appear to flow from one muscle to another, and they are not usually repetitive or rhythmic. In some cases, medication can treat and manage the condition, but it may not always help.
Movement Issues in Kids
The way that your child’s movement develops is so important. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you must seek medical advice right away. Finding the cause of movement issues can help you get your child the help they need.
