[Two cases of pediatric psychogenic gait disturbance]

Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho. 2013 Feb;116(2):91-6. doi: 10.3950/jibiinkoka.116.91.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We report herein on 2 cases of pediatric psychogenic gait disturbance. Both patients (boys) were aged 10 years. Patient 1 had psychogenic fever and psychogenic visual disturbance. His symptoms improved after 4 months. Patient 2 had headache and general fatigue and was subfebrile. His symptoms disappeared after 5 months. Pediatric psychogenic gait disturbance is rare, and it is important to understand the clinical characteristics of the affected patients. In most cases, treatment can be time-consuming. To treat these patients, it is important to rule out organic disorders. A diagnosis of psychogenic gait disturbance should be made on the basis of the clinical characteristics of the disorder, such as (1) momentary fluctuations of stance and gait, often in response to suggestions; (2) excessive slowness or hesitation of locomotion incompatible with neurological disease; and (3) uneconomic postures with wastage of muscle energy. These symptoms typically improve in 4-5 months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Locomotion / physiology
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / psychology*
  • Movement Disorders / therapy
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome