Tics in children - what to do? Muscle disorders in infants
Keywords: tics in children, simple and complex motor tics,
vocalisms, tic hyperkinesis, transient (transient) or
chronic tic disorder, obsessive movements,
neurotic disorder with obsessive movements, Tourette's disease
What are tics, why and when do they appear? Many parents suddenly notice that the child suddenly began to blink his eyes, make faces, sniffle and twitch his shoulder ... A day or two, then passed, a month later it appeared again, for a long time ... And this happens very often, look around. At first glance, there are no apparent reasons for such manifestations. What's this? A new teaser game, the birth of a bad habit, or the beginning of a disease? How to react to it? Toddlers are hot, emotional people, they have very vivid emotions, lively facial expressions and gestures. Maybe this is normal? It would be nice to figure it out...
Tiki are common! How do they look?
What is so “terrible” about ticks?
How, when and why to treat tics
Daily routine, diet and lifestyle
Recipes for the prevention and control of tics
Tics are fast and involuntary, patterned, repetitive, non-rhythmic, short contractions of individual muscles or groups of muscles, they appear against the will of the child. The movements are excessive and violent, so sometimes they are also called tic hyperkinesis. Outwardly, it always looks about the same, the manifestations are usually monotonous, most often tics occur in the muscles of the face, neck ... It is easy to notice them. If these are tics of the facial muscles, the child suddenly wrinkles his forehead, frowns his eyebrows, closes his eyes, moves his nose, purses his lips. Tics in the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle are manifested by episodes of turns and twitches of the head, as if long hair is getting into the baby’s eyes, or a hat is in the way; and movements of the shoulders and neck, as if uncomfortable from a tight collar or uncomfortable clothing. By the way, it is precisely such problems with clothing that can serve as one of the triggers for the development of tics. The tics are most pronounced in the state of general motor immobility of the child, when he is bored, and they also occur when the child is mentally concentrated, for example, when watching TV, reading a book or doing homework. On the contrary, if the child is strongly passionate about something, recklessly engaged in an energetic game, moves a lot, tics can weaken and even disappear.
How do parents react to this? As paradoxical as it sounds, at best, they don't pay much attention to it, considering it to be the usual childish grimaces, pampering, or a new game. At worst, they suggest the development of a bad habit, which can be easily dealt with with the help of strict external control.
An excited mother begins to pay the attention of the child and others to his grimaces and sniffing, constantly pulling him up and making comments to him. At first, everything seems to be correct, it turns out well. For some time, it happens that it helps: with some effort, the child can turn on volitional control and temporarily refrain from obsessive movements. Then the parents are completely and completely convinced that this is just a bad habit, and there is no problem. But this is the most common mistake!
An anxious (purple) mother tries to constantly control the behavior of the child, and, in the end, a smart baby, understanding the discontent and chagrin of adults, begins to be burdened by his involuntary movements, and tries to refrain from them, not to sniff and twitch his shoulders. But it only gets worse and worse ... Mom and others around, sincerely wishing only good, regularly make remarks to the baby: “Stop blinking like that! Please don't sniff! Stop shaking your head! Sit still!" The poor obedient child sincerely tries to follow these instructions, by an effort of will he manages to suppress the tics for a short time, while the emotional tension only grows, he is even more worried and anxious, the number and volume of obsessive involuntary movements from this only increases, new tics appear, their formula is constantly changing - a vicious circle is formed. In the future, any emotional stress and excitement can lead to an increase in tics, they become chronic, and practically cannot be controlled by will. That's all, the trap is closed, the child is "caught"!
Attention! If a child suddenly starts blinking his eyes, grimacing, sniffing, or twitching his shoulder, don't scold him for it! You can’t make comments to him about this, and in general, draw the child’s attention to his voluntary movements. You need to consult with a neurologist.
Why and who gets tics, how often do they occur
Most parents believe that tics arose for no reason, out of the blue. Usually, this is not the case. Parents may not be aware of some of the child's unpleasant problems that have arisen at school or in the yard, and this is the cause of serious internal tensions and anxieties. Almost every child is extremely sensitive to intra-family conflicts, they are hard to experience; even those that, according to the parents, are unknown to them, and do not affect them at all. Any "small" events in a child's life, from the point of view of adults, absolutely not worthy of attention, can serve as a trigger for the development of children's tics.
For example, a dozen kids were enthusiastically playing in the sandbox, a very, very small dog running past suddenly barked loudly at them several times. Six babies did not even turn their heads, two shuddered, one girl began to cry, and one boy began to blink his eyes after a walk. In one in ten, is it common or rare, and why, in this particular boy?
Many scientists note the significant participation of hereditary factors in the origin of supposedly “causeless” tics, while genes in a “sleeping” form can be in both mom and dad; but manifest itself in a special combination, in the form of ticks, even after several generations. Some of these genes have already been "caught". It is possible that the same boy from the sandbox, his dad had tics; or neurosis obsessive states from his maternal grandmother. It is important to know that the tics themselves are not inherited, the combination of certain genes can only determine the predisposition to develop tics. With this predisposition, tics in children "get younger": they develop relatively earlier than in their parents.
Indeed, many tics appear after severe stress, but not only negative (fear, grief, anxiety), but also strong positive emotions can provoke tics. Some tics are formed during or after an infection or head injury, as well as with the use of hotel medicines. Undoubtedly, the endless "friendship" with the TV, computer and other gaming electronics, passion for buns, chocolates and soda almost necessarily contribute to the development of tics. It is trite, but it is impossible not to mention the “special” atmosphere and ecology of the city, intense information loads, a sedentary lifestyle and a tense situation in the family and school. You can talk for a long time about the possible circumstances that trigger tics, but, unfortunately, in life it often happens that the true causes of tics remain unknown. Sometimes tics behave "like a cat walking by itself", appear suddenly, also suddenly disappear and reappear. Observation of a neurologist in this case is mandatory. The rapid and complete success of therapy at the moment, alas, does not always guarantee the irrevocable disappearance of tics, forever.
Only one thing can be said for sure, in most cases even minimal and quickly transient tics are an alarm signal, a flashing red light on the dashboard of the brain, this is a telegram of the child's nervous system, in which there are only three words "something is wrong inside".
The statistics on tics are impressive, tics are deservedly considered one of the most common neurological disorders in children, and recently the number of children with tics has been steadily increasing, and the age of onset of tics has been steadily decreasing. Much more often tics began to occur in infancy, tics "get younger" right before our eyes! According to recent studies, transient or chronic tic disorders occur in every fourth or fifth child! According to statistics, tics in boys occur three times more often, and they are noticeably more severe than in girls.
The typical age of onset of tics is 4-7 years old, usually coinciding with the start of kindergarten or school attendance. For impressionable and vulnerable children, infusion into a team and a change in habitual stereotypes cause great emotional stress. Not every kid can do it successfully on his own. Fortunately, in about eight out of ten children, tics usually disappear without a trace by the age of 10-12.
Tics come in many varieties and range from fast-paced, obsessive blinking, which some parents may not even notice, to chronic widespread motor and vocal tics with mental disorders (such as Tourette's disease).
Gilles de la Tourette disease is the most severe form of the disease and is difficult to treat.
Tics in this form are multiple, massive, accompanied by sudden screeches or involuntary shouting out of individual words. There is a violation of behavior, there may be a decrease in intelligence.
The complexity of treatment, and even a certain mystery of some types of tics, is partly due to the multifactorial nature and the enormous content of the pathological processes that occur in this case. Tics are classified as "borderline conditions" - this problem is at the junction of several specialties: neurology, psychiatry, psychology and pediatrics.
What are tics
What colors are the sky, what is the shape of the waves on the sea, and what are the leaves in the forest? What is a rash on the skin, and what is a cough? The forms and variants of tics in children are so diverse and numerous that at the onset of the disease, even an experienced doctor cannot immediately understand the situation and accurately predict further development events.
Tics are simple and complex, local, widespread and generalized, motor and vocal. Local tics are observed in one muscle group (nose movements, blinking). Common - in several muscle groups, a combination of simple tics (folding the lips with a tube, blinking, twitching the head). Simple motor (motor) tics - frequent blinking, squinting, looking away and up, moving the nose and lips, turning and twitching the head, shoulders, hands, shuddering with the whole body and other involuntary movements.Complex motor tics - jumping and jumping, squatting, tilting and turning the entire body, spontaneous gesticulation, obsessive touching of objects, etc.
Sound (vocal) tics are simple - continuous causeless coughing, grunting, mooing, squealing, grunting, sniffing. Sound (vocal) tics are complex - repeated repetition of the same sounds, words, phrases, sometimes even involuntary shouting out curses (coprolalia).
The combination of complex, widespread motor and vocal tics is called generalized tics.
What is so “terrible” about ticks? How, when and why to treat and can tics be cured
In more than half of the cases, tics are short-term and do not reappear; in about eight out of ten children, tics usually disappear without a trace by the age of 10-12. Maybe this is not a problem at all, and you don’t need to see a doctor, especially if you don’t need to be treated? I repeat, at the beginning of the appearance of ticks, even an experienced specialist cannot always immediately understand the essence of the problem and accurately predict the further development of events. On the one hand, simple tics are a rather harmless and not dangerous phenomenon, as usual, quickly disappearing without treatment, of course. On the other hand, often in this seeming harmlessness and brevity lies real deceit - often, simple tics begin to intensify, imperceptibly transforming into common ones, vocal tics join. As a result, a child with chronic generalized tics is brought to the doctors, which, sometimes, is not easy to treat.
The frequent inadequate reaction of adults and children surrounding the child should not be overlooked. For some anxious and irritable parents, children's tics, like a red rag for a bull, cause discontent, resentment, and even internal aggression. With their rash behavior and wrong actions, they only aggravate the course of tics. In kindergarten and at school, peers completely frivolously, not wanting evil, or purposefully and harshly, begin to tease such children. Sometimes, even teachers, by chance, straightforwardly deluded, energetically participate in these nonsense.The child begins to pay active attention to his tics, thinks about his dissimilarity to other children, analyzes his behavior, worries and worries. Thus, against the background of tics, a deep neurotic disorder develops for the second time, and this is sometimes a greater evil and danger than the tics themselves. Like any chronic disease, prolonged tics do not give the child life, harass and exhaust the soul, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances appear, anxiety and anxiety increase. Tension builds up in the family, other members of the family are gradually drawn into the orbit of ticks. Quite rare, but not unique, under the guise of simple motor tics villainously hiding dangerous epileptic seizures. And now it's alreadyserious neurological problem.
Or maybe it's better to wait a bit, suddenly it will pass by itself? You need to trust maternal intuition (but only after a visit to a neurologist!). Tics after severe stress, against the background and after an illness or head injury, continue for a long time and obviously reduce the quality of life of the child and family, tics are complex and vocal, common and generalized - all this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Usually, they start with a visit to a neurologist or psychiatrist. As usual, a detailed parental story and a simple neurological examination (and possibly an additional instrumental examination) are enough for the doctor to make sure that there are no organic causes for the appearance of tics.
Further, the neurologist recommends changing the lifestyle and sleep patterns: it is enough to temporarily destroy the "friendship" with the TV, computer and other gaming electronics. It is advisable to limit or remove foods containing caffeine (strong tea, cocoa, coffee, cola, chocolate), sweets and other high-calorie foods from the usual food list. Without a doubt, sports, intense physical exercise, even simple long walks in the fresh air will bring great benefits and help you quickly deal with the problem.
Quite often, tics serve as a kind of valves for the release of the child's motor energy. Imagine, a child had a happy childhood, and in the summer he rushed around the street all day long, his muscles enjoyed life. And then the happiness ended, he went to first grade, and involuntarily, in nervous tension and for a long time you have to pore motionlessly at the lessons. Of course, “it’s not just about blinking and twitching...” Give the kids some physical freedom: let them continue to rush around the street, as before! On the contrary, it is desirable to strictly dose strong intellectual and psycho-emotional loads. In some cases, even positive emotions, especially strong and violent ones, significantly increase tic manifestations.
Then, as a rule, a child psychologist comes to the rescue, who works with the child and his family. In the treatment of simple tics, the main task is to identify and eliminate the obvious causes of tics (problems at school and family, misunderstanding on the part of parents, deep childhood fears and anxieties, etc.). Usually simple methods of individual behavioral psychotherapy and psychorelaxation, the methods of “arbitrary tic exhaustion” proved to be quite useful.
Periodically, such methods of treatment are perceived by parents with hostility, it is easier to give"miracle pill" from tics than to explain to dad that you can’t yell at the baby. The child's mother has to exert maximum patience and perseverance, and work hard before she manages to destroy the internal causes of tics.
Many mothers completely misunderstand the goals and objectives of a pediatric neurologist, and are poorly versed in the methods of his work. At the appointment of a neurologist, there are often such energetic, all knowledgeable parents. “Surely, in the medical handbook and on the Internet it says that pills are needed, and the neurologist is trying to excommunicate our brilliant child from music and the computer.”
For example, I had a consultation with a boy with his mother and grandmother with complaints of involuntary blinking and sniffing. According to my mother, the tics appeared suddenly, out of the blue, there were no stresses. And the child is very anxious, pinched, his eyes are sad, he jerks his head, constantly grunts and sniffs. Mom says: “Everything is fine in the family and in the kindergarten, there are only calm positive adults around the child, there are no visible chagrins.” However, during the consultation, she pulled the child about twenty times, continuously reprimanding him: “Stop blinking like that! Please don't sniff! Stop shaking your head! Sit still! She was constantly dissatisfied with her son: “I didn’t say hello right away, I didn’t say it right, I didn’t sit down right, I didn’t look in the right direction.” At the same time, she managed to simultaneously quarrel with her grandmother about the methods of education and talk about the complete misunderstanding on the part of her husband. A little more, and I would have “blinked and snorted” from chagrin right at the consultation. Yes, if I had, at least a little, to live with such a mother, I would immediately end up in a neurosis clinic. And the kid, it turns out, well done - he has “only” tics.
An attempt to clarify the situation did not lead to anything, the prospect of regime and psychological correction of tics did not seduce my mother. She became even more agitated and offended. After reading me a long “scientifically reasoned” notation about what a neurologist should do at an outpatient appointment, and without waiting for the prescription of a miraculous medicine, my mother and grandmother continued to actively search for a “convenient” specialist. ... This family has such blind confidence in the only possible method of treatment tics with the help of pills will be the main obstacle to a cure ... A sad story ...
In fact, drug therapy, especially serious psychotropic drugs, is required quite rarely, more often in the case of severe tics, but even then, regimen measures and psychological and pedagogical correction cannot be dispensed with. The effectiveness of drugs will be much higher and more stable if psychological problems are simultaneously addressed and healthy lifestyle life. The side-effects of true antiticotic therapy are quite severe and should by no means be even close to commensurate with the possible benefit. It is quite possible to destroy almost any tics and vocalisms, but to do it without side complications is not an easy task.
Simple effective recipes for the prevention and control of children's tics
Less pedagogical violence - more love and understanding
Psychologically comfortable and calm environment in the family, kindergarten and school.
Looking for someone to blame, blaming yourself and others for the development of tics is a stupid and harmful occupation.
Questions, discussions, comments, especially pestering the child and swearing, about tics are strictly prohibited
Psychological and pedagogical activities, solving possible conflicts with peers and teachers at school or kindergarten, it is advisable to carry out under the guidance of an experienced child psychologist (otherwise you can break such firewood ...)
Reasonable participation in any kind of sports, intense physical activity, long walks in the fresh air
Restriction or temporary exclusion of communication with a TV, computer and other gaming electronics
The most important thing is a timely visit to a specialist!
Often, parents at a doctor's appointment hear about an increased or decreased tone in a baby. What is it and how dangerous is it?
Let's start with what's on its own tone is not a diagnosis or disease. Tone is a slight constant pretension of a muscle, allowing it to be ready for intentional contraction at any time. The regulation of muscle tone is a very complex neurophysiological process, closely related to congenital and acquired reflexes, the correctness of which depends on many factors. The regulation of tone is carried out at the reflex level with the participation of all parts of the brain: the trunk, subcortical nuclei and cortex.
In a newborn, the general tone of all muscles is evenly increased compared to adults and older children. This gives his body a characteristic appearance: arms and legs are pressed to the body, the head is slightly thrown back, it is not possible to completely separate the limbs. All this is absolutely normal and passes with time.
As the child grows, the tone of his muscles weakens, which gives the baby the opportunity to begin to actively move. He begins to move his arms, legs, take objects, raise his head. It is important that changes in tone occur correctly and simultaneously in all muscles. If, for example, the upper limbs are in high tonus for a long time, it will be more difficult for the child to use them, and he will acquire the appropriate skills later. Prolonged hypertonicity of the lower extremities can cause problems with the development of walking.
Up to about 3-4 months, muscle tone remains high, then it begins to decrease - first in the flexor muscles (arms and legs straighten at the same time), and by 5-6 months all muscles evenly relax, which gives the child the opportunity to make more complex movements - sit down, stand up and walk. By 18 months, the child's muscle tone becomes comparable to that of an adult. If the baby lags behind in development from peers, the cause may be a violation of muscle tone.
What are the causes of violation of tone
The vast majority of tone disorders are associated with trauma and hypoxia during childbirth. Most often, the head and cervical spine of the baby are injured, which leads to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system: the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures. Trauma can occur during rapid and turbulent labor, as a result of unskilled actions of obstetricians, the use of the Christeller maneuver (pressure on the abdomen during childbirth is prohibited in most countries, but is periodically used in Russia), after stimulation of labor with oxytocin, the use of vacuum and forceps.
Prolonged oxygen starvation during childbirth also leads to damage to the nervous system and, first of all, to the cerebral cortex. The stronger the injury or the longer the hypoxia was, the more severe the problems in the newborn. The most severe cases are manifestations of cerebral palsy - cerebral palsy, in which the child is practically deprived of the opportunity to develop normally.
How can a mother suspect violations of tone
hypertonicity in newborns up to a month is physiological, that is, normal. Violation can be suspected by excessive tightness and stiffness of the baby, not appropriate for age. If the tone is increased in the upper limbs, the baby does not reach for the toy, does not unbend the arms, his fists are tightly clenched most of the time, often in the form of a “fig”. Hypertonicity of the lower extremities can be suspected if the child's hips cannot be spread apart so that the angle between them is 90 degrees.
low tone manifested by lethargy, weak movements of the arms or legs, drooping limbs (frog posture), sluggish movements and late development of age-related skills. If the tone is disturbed on one side, it is easy to notice by the asymmetry that occurs on the limbs of one and the other side, as well as by the asymmetry of the folds. If you suspect a violation of tone in your baby, then first of all contact your pediatrician.
How does the doctor evaluate the tone
It can determine with high accuracy whether your baby's tone is impaired or not. In doubtful cases, he will refer you to a pediatric neurologist. To check, the doctor will examine the baby externally, check his posture on his back and stomach, how he holds his head and moves his arms and legs. Then the doctor will check the baby's reflexes - they usually increase simultaneously with the tone. Reflexes such as crawling, grasping, sucking are present in young children and disappear by the age of 3 months. If they persist for too long, it may indicate a problem in the nervous system.
Next, the doctor will feel the baby's limbs with his hands, determining how tense the muscles are. He will try to bend and unbend the child's legs and arms, and also check the symmetry of these movements.
Norm
– muscle tone and reflexes correspond to age, both sides are developed symmetrically.
hypertonicity
- increased muscle tone, the child is constrained, moves with difficulty.
Hypotension
- reduced tone, muscles are relaxed, cannot contract with the necessary force, the child is lethargic.
Muscular dystonia
- some muscles are in hypertonicity, others are in hypotonicity. The child takes unnatural postures, movements are also difficult.
What are dangerous violations of tone
At the heart of any violation of tone is a problem in the nervous system. Tonus is just one of its manifestations, the first and most obvious thing that can be seen in a baby, since examination of vision, hearing and other more adult functions is not available to him. Problems with tone are always the result of a violation of the basic reflexes that regulate body movements. This means that along with the tone, coordination will be impaired in such children, age skills will develop worse, they will lag behind their peers in development.
Later, due to a violation of tonic reflexes, deviations occur in the musculoskeletal system: scoliosis, flat feet, clubfoot, etc. The severity of developmental delay and other disorders depends on the degree of brain damage. This is not always proportional to the severity of hypertonicity, which is why the child must be shown to a pediatric neurologist.
How to treat violations of tone in a child
In most cases, tone disorders respond well to treatment. The earlier the problem is identified, the better it is possible to cope with it, therefore it is very important to undergo scheduled examinations by a pediatrician and a neurologist on time. To exclude a serious problem, the doctor may prescribe a study of the brain using neurosonography - for a detailed examination of its structures.
Treatment for violations of tone should be prescribed by a doctor and be agreed with several specialists: a pediatrician, a neurologist, an orthopedist. Lack of treatment will not lead to anything good, the child will not “outgrow” this problem. If the violation of tone is not treated, it will lead to a developmental delay, problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Your doctor may prescribe a variety of ways of treatment
. Here are some of them:
Massage is very common and often effective method improve the condition of the baby with violations of tone. It is suitable for both hyper and hypotension, but it is performed using different methods. With hypertonicity, a relaxing massage is prescribed, with hypotonicity - tonic. It is better if the massage is performed by a specialist, but the mother herself can learn hygienic massage. Daily light massage will be a very useful addition to the course of a specialist.
Aqua gymnastics - useful for any violations of tone. Warm water relaxes the muscles, cool water stimulates. The child learns to coordinate, control his body, all muscles participate in the process.
Physiotherapy - it means exposure to heat (paraffin applications), electrophoresis, magnets.
Medications - become necessary if the muscle spasm is very strong, and it cannot be removed in other ways.
Osteopathy is extremely effective method work with children after birth injuries, including those with manifestations of hypertonicity. Allows you to bring the bones of the skull and cervical region of the newborn, displaced during childbirth, into the correct position. As a result, the shape of the skull normalizes, the mechanical causes of brain dysfunctions are eliminated, and pathological reflexes disappear. Osteopathy has a mild effect, can be used in children from birth, does not require long courses.
Seek advice from a speech pathologist
Oksana Makerova
The child is developing. How?
Psychomotor development of a newborn child
Dear readers! In the questions you ask me, you often ask whether it is normal for a child at a given age to not be able to do something, not to pronounce certain sounds, not to be able to do something, etc. Therefore, I decided to devote the next few articles to the norms of the psychomotor and speech development of a child from birth to 5 years. Separately, the parameters of the development of premature babies will be noted.
I would like to start the conversation not from the moment of birth, but from the moment of the development of the fetus, because this is the most important moment in the development of the child.
Most modern research showed that, starting from the 4th month of pregnancy, the human fetus is conscious. He “knows” what is happening around, feels, hears and understands everything in his own way. When he doesn't like something, he tosses and turns, kicks. After many years of research, American specialists have prepared information about the “consciousness” of a human fetus in the fourth month of pregnancy, I bring these data to your attention.
- The fruit has a sense of taste and, like all children, loves sweets. The introduction, for example, of glucose into the fetal waters accelerates his swallowing movements, and the injection of iodine, on the contrary, slows them down, and the face of the fetus is twisted with disgust.
- The fetus reacts to external stimuli. For example, touching the lips causes him to suck.
- A 5-month-old fetus moves its head, if it is stroked with a hand, pouring cold water on the mother's stomach causes anger in him, and he beats his legs.
- The fetus duplicates the actions and even the mood of the mother. When the mother is calm and in a good mood, rested, then the fetus behaves calmly.
- Unborn children remember whole words and expressions.
- The fetus reacts to light. A bright light directed at the mother's stomach makes him want to hide. He rolls over in his stomach, closes his eyes.
- Unborn children react to the mother's words and intonation. When their mother or father addresses them, they calm down, their heart rhythm returns to normal. Doctors, including speech therapists, advise the mother to talk to the child as often as possible.
Also, long before the birth of a child, his muscles begin to form. It has been established that already at the 8th week of pregnancy, the muscles of the fetus begin to contract. By week 20, there is a surprisingly “rich repertoire” of purposeful movements, including movements of the arms, legs, and head. This is not news, because long before the birth of a child, expectant mothers feel it. physical activity, feel how he tosses and turns in his little world, moves and pushes.
At week 10, the fetus begins to move its limbs, after another 2 weeks it turns its head, after another week it opens its mouth, sticks out its tongue, makes attempts to breathe and swallow on its own.
By week 15, he performs an action that many babies are weaned from for months - he begins to suck his own finger.
After another 3 weeks, he begins to actively explore his own body-head, torso, limbs with his hands.
By the 20th week, the fetus has well-coordinated movements, moves the fingers of both hands and feet and even (!) Moves the eyelashes.
And this is only the first half of pregnancy, the most important half, when all the body systems of the unborn child are being formed!
But then the baby was born. You were discharged and you came home. Young mothers, and even those who have children, always have questions: is our baby developing correctly, is it all right?
Neuromotor development from 0 to 1 month
| skull perimeter newborn equal to 34-35 cm, and the weight of the brain is 335 g. |
Body and limb position
A. Lying on the back (dorsal decubitus)
All 4 limbs in a bent and symmetrical position. The head is usually turned to the side. The trunk follows the turn of the head (“whole”). Upper limbs - next to the body, slightly bent at the elbow joint. The fingers are partially clenched in the “pronation” position (slightly open with the palm down), the thumb is brought to the palm. The lower extremities are bent as follows: hips on the stomach, lower legs on the hips (due to bending the knees). The state of flexion of the limbs partially resembles the intrauterine position, is an increased tone of the flexor muscles of the limbs.
If the newborn lies in a position of too pronounced flexion (flexion) or extension (elongation), motionless, “numb” (the body is extended, without any flexion of the lower or upper limbs), this means that we are talking about a violation in its development. In this case, an urgent consultation and examination by a neurologist is necessary.
B. Lying on the stomach(vertral decubitus)
And in this situation, the bent position prevails. The knees are placed under the body or next to it. Starting from 2 or 3 weeks, the newborn manages to turn his head and even lift it for a short time in order to put it on the other side. Occasionally he tries to make crawling movements; these movements become more active when we touch the feet of the newborn, the legs are bent at the knees.
If in this position the child cannot move his head at all, which remains with the “chin falling on the chest”, if the child cannot turn his head to the side, cannot breathe freely, then it is necessary to show the child to the doctor and the sooner the better, because to. there is a danger of suffocation.
B. Pulling up in the supine position.
If the newborn is taken by the handles and slightly pulled up and forward, the shoulders remain bent and the head leans back. When the child reaches an upright sitting position, the head falls forward and dangles from one side to the other.
Symmetry
The position and movements of the newborn are almost symmetrical. Some notice a slight movement of the head in the "favorite" side. The symmetry of the position between the right and left limbs is preserved almost constantly, whether it be upper or lower limbs. If the mother notices an asymmetry between two homologous limbs, this may be of pathological significance.
reflexes
A child is born with certain primary reflexes. These reflexes disappear by 3-4 months as voluntary movements take their place.
Moro reflex(after the German pediatrician who described this reflex in 1917)
Appears only when the newborn is awake. If you hit hard on the table on which the child is lying (or other sharp and sudden movements), then the Moro reflex occurs. The newborn straightens his torso, moves his arms away from his chest, stretches them out, unbends his fingers, sometimes screams. The next moment is the return to the resting position. Only a doctor can determine the symmetry of the reflex.
Grasping reflex
If the mother runs her finger across the palm of the newborn, his fingers tighten suddenly with such force that the newborn can be lifted off the surface. If you pass your finger under the foot, you can feel how he bends his toes.
Reflex cardinal points
Named so because his research consists of several alternate stimulations (touches) around the mouth: the right corner of the lips, under the lower lip, the left corner of the lips, above the upper lip. The response appears the faster, the more time has passed from feeding. The tongue and lips move to the affected point, sometimes dragging the head into this movement. When the reflex of the cardinal points is absolutely correct, the newborn sucks and swallows well.
Automatic walking
The newborn is held by the torso under the arms in an upright position. When the feet come into contact with the surface of the table (floor), the corresponding limb is bent, and the other is straightened. From this alternating bending and straightening of the lower limbs with a slight inclination of the torso forward, a movement resembling walking is obtained.
If all reflexes and reactions are exaggerated, absent or asymmetric, it is necessary to contact a neurologist.
Speech
The newborn may make a small amount of involuntary sounds, laryngeal or guttural, especially at night. He cries before feeding, but calms down after being fed. If the bell rings, the child calms down and becomes more attentive.
social contact
In a newborn, the face is almost motionless (without facial expressions). At times, a smile “passes” through him for no apparent reason. Sometimes the child looks at the mother. Easily startled by noise. Motor activity and "mass" movements decrease if the child's attention is distracted. The baby is calmed when he is picked up, comforted when he hears a familiar voice, thanks to the warmth from contact with the mother's body or breastfeeding. When the child is calm, he rhythmically opens and closes his mouth.
Emotional behavior
7-10 days after birth, if the newborn is awake and calm, he seems attentive, lies with his eyes open; sometimes there is a “smile”.
Often, infants have severe problems with sucking, swallowing, they choke, often rest when they are fed and feeding is delayed for 30-40 minutes, or even longer. Moms explain this either by the haste of the baby or by the fact that there is a lot of milk.
But in fact, these violations are associated with the discoordination of the work of individual muscles due to oxygen starvation (hypoxia) of the brain stem.
In conclusion, I want to draw a conclusion and summarize what has been written, drawing your attention to the fact that there are no trifles in the development of a child. Every little thing can indicate a violation in development.
What should alert the parents of a newborn:
- violation of muscle tone (it is very sluggish or, on the contrary, increased so that it is difficult to straighten the arms and legs);
- uneven movement of the limbs (one arm or leg is less active);
- trembling of arms or legs with or without crying;
- frequent regurgitation, choking when sucking;
- sleep disturbances (the child cries out, often wakes up);
- torticollis (holds head tilted to one side);
- poor support on the legs, clubfoot.
Each mother listens to every breath and looks closely at every, even the slightest movement of her newborn baby. But why is the baby constantly pulling arms and legs? How to deal with it? The movements of newborns will be discussed in our article.
Why does a baby constantly pull legs and arms?
Although it sometimes seems to us that the first weeks after birth, the baby mostly sleeps and does not move much, but this is not so. Trying to adapt to new circumstances and to know his body, the baby moves his arms and legs.
How to understand when everything is within the normal range, and when to see a doctor?
In the table, we have collected the most common reasons why the baby jerks his arms and legs violently.
| Increased limb tone | After a long stay in the fetal position, the baby needs some time for the flexor muscles to relax, and the extensor muscles to come to a normal physiological state. Therefore, after birth, the baby will constantly move arms and legs. Movements, as a rule, are bilateral in nature, that is, with two arms or two legs at the same time. Everything should be back to normal by 2 months. . If there are deviations, then they speak of a reduced or. In this case, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment. |
| The work of the digestive system | New food and the increased burden on the stomach, intestines and other organs associated with it leads to discomfort, which is still difficult for the baby to cope with, this leads to chaotic movements of the arms and legs, which are often accompanied by crying. The baby tries to press the legs closer to the tummy and thereby help digestion, but he can’t fix it, so he pulls them and cries. |
| In the process of digesting food, babies often experience colic, gas, and pain in the tummy. Because of this, newborns tighten or, conversely, stretch their legs, pull their arms and cry. Such conditions, as a rule, disappear by 3-4 months, in some children by 6 months. . | |
| Pathology of the central nervous system | This is what all mothers fear. Such terrible diagnoses as: encephalopathy, epilepsy, cerebral palsy. In these cases, the movements of the baby are very different from the norm and are accompanied by other symptoms. Chaotic eye movements/gaze at one point, protrusion of the tongue, convulsive sucking movements. Such movements are called convulsions, and this is the reason for immediate medical attention. . |
How to help the baby if he pulls his arms and legs a lot?
In order to properly help the baby, you need to establish the exact cause. You should consult with a pediatrician, surgeon and neurologist.
Each of the specialists will examine the baby and give their recommendations:
- Pediatrician will conduct a general examination and give recommendations on improving the functioning of the digestive system, and will also refer you to other specialists.
- Surgeon will check motor activity and tummy.
- Neurologist will give his opinion on the nervous system of the baby.
What methods will help the baby, and in what cases it is necessary to apply this method of treatment, we will consider the table below
| An excellent remedy for colic in the tummy, and to relieve muscle tone. If the crumbs do not have any serious health problems, then a young mother can do massage at home herself. In the case of muscle tone, massage is good to do in the morning and evening after water procedures. . Moreover, in the morning it is more intense, alternating stroking and patting with light exercises, gently bending and unbending the arms and legs, massaging the fingers. In the evening, it can be a light relaxing massage in the form of stroking the back, arms and legs, as well as the tummy. With colic, doctors and experienced mothers advise gently stroking the baby's tummy clockwise for several minutes. | |
| Gymnastics | With increased muscle tone, you may be prescribed a consultation with a physiotherapist . The specialist will tell you what movements, how and in what sequence should be done so as not to injure the baby. |
| Baby swimming | The procedure itself is very useful, both for babies with problems in motor activity, and for absolutely healthy children. During water procedures, the heartbeat quickens, the blood is saturated with oxygen. . Many doctors, answering the question of when to start swimming with a baby, say: as soon as the umbilical wound heals. Just as in the case of gymnastics, swimming in the morning can be more intense, teach the baby to relax the muscles in warm water, turn on cool water at the end, thereby hardening the baby, and in the evening, a simple splash in warm water with the addition of chamomile decoction, mint, lemon balm or lavender. Pleasant smells will soothe the baby and set him up for a sound sleep . |
| Medications | Only after consultation with doctors. If the above methods can be applied, albeit with caution, to all children, then no medications should ever be prescribed on their own . Many neurologists with tone prescribe very serious drugs, such as Cerebrolysin, Cavinton, Actovegin, etc. For colic, Sab Simplex, Plantex, Dill water, Espumizan are most often prescribed. |
| Physiotherapy | With muscle tone in a newborn, a neurologist can prescribe paraffin and electrophoresis on legs or arms as physiotherapy . |
Of course, no mother wants to think about the bad, but, unfortunately, the statistics are inexorable.
Today, more than 50% of children are born with certain problems of the nervous system. Therefore, if the behavior of the baby is alarming, you should consult a neurologist.
Make an electroencephalogram, neurosonogram. Perhaps, with unsatisfactory results of examinations, the doctor will prescribe magnetic resonance imaging. Or, on the contrary, the results of the examinations will not reveal pathologies, then the doctor will prescribe nootropic drugs designed to stimulate the nervous system, or sedatives to relieve tension.
Regardless of the results of the analyzes and forecasts of doctors, mom should remain calm. The children's body is very plastic, most problems can be solved, modern achievements, both in medicine and in pharmaceuticals, they can compensate, and often completely cure, many diseases associated with the nervous system.
Many mothers who recently gave birth to their first baby not only face various difficulties in caring for their treasure for the first time, but also with different stages of its development.
This stage of development also includes the period when, at the age of 3-4 months, the baby begins to master new movements, making quick manipulations with its arms and legs. Moms with experience who have a second, third, and maybe fourth baby are not puzzled by such problems, unlike inexperienced young mothers.
For starters, pay attention to stages of baby development, his monthly change in physical and emotional development. From birth, a newborn baby shows only reflex movements of the arms and legs, and has the skills of sucking, swallowing, blinking.
By the end of the first month, the baby begins to actively show his attitude to the sharp sounds and movements around him, he develops a feeling of fear, reflected in the sharp movement of the raised arms.
In the second month of development, the baby learns to distinguish the mood of an adult approaching him and begins to make movements with his arms and legs in a chaotic manner. At the stage of development of 3 and 4 months, the child shows especially great activity in the movement of the limbs.
When to Pay Attention
Many mothers are especially worried about such a quick revival of the baby, at first glance it may seem that the child is very active and thus shows his character.
Perhaps this can also be, but more often this is due to muscle tone. After the birth of a child, every responsible parent in the first month after the birth of the baby, and every subsequent 3 months, passes a commission, which brings together all experienced specialists who carefully check the condition and health of the child. No less important, and to say even the main such specialist is neuropathologist. It is this doctor who will easily determine whether the active excitement of the baby is his manifestation of temperament, or whether it will be about muscle tone.
If, after examination, the doctor diagnoses hypertonicity or hypotonicity, you should not worry too much, but also relax. The neuropathologist registers such children and conducts close observation during the first year of life.
All, not without exception, newborn children are born with muscular dystonia. Reduced or increased muscle tone depends on many factors, including how the birth went and the pregnancy proceeded, as well as how many points on the APGAR scale the baby's condition was assessed immediately after birth. In the risk group in the first place, children born by caesarean section, children with low weight and congenital genetic diseases.
For a baby, muscle tone is the key to his further proper physical development, his emotional and mental well-being. It is on how quickly the treatment will begin and the result will be visible. Muscles in the right tone help the baby first of all sit down, start crawling in time, stand up on his feet, and walk on his own.
Increased or decreased tone affects the posture of the baby, the curvature of his legs. Hypertonicity develops into increased excitability, which makes it difficult to concentrate on some business, there is no attentiveness, constant aggression and nervousness appear.
Hypotension, on the contrary, shows how poorly a child develops in physical health, more often he is apathetic, not interested in anything, he is prone to obesity, lags behind his peers in mental development. In addition, muscular dystonia can also talk about.
Correction of tone
The main thing that parents should do is to monitor the development and emotional state child. As a rule, drug treatment is required in exceptional cases, basically all treatment consists in the correct and professional baby massage. It is a professional massage therapist who can easily determine where the baby has problem areas and take up his treatment.
You need to entrust the health of your baby to an experienced, and above all to a children's masseur, because massage can not only help, but with the wrong approach and harm. Manipulations with the arms, legs of the baby and movements on his delicate skin give direct impulses that enter the cerebral cortex and central nervous system, after which the correct work of the muscles is activated.
Light strokes on the arms, legs, back of the baby can be done at home by the mother of the baby. Such charging will not only cheer up the child, but also give him a pleasant tactile sensation.
In addition to massage, an effective remedy against muscle tone is swimming. It can be a pool, and individual sessions with a children's specialist, or soothing baths with a selection of various herbs, such as chamomile, motherwort, general herbal collection.
Movement is the main thing in the life of a little man and its main function. Proper development of the baby is the key to his psycho-emotional state. Be healthy.
