Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Abnormal Hand And Leg Movement In A Child?
Question: What causes my child to constantly move his feet like windshield wipers and his hands the same way while opening and shutting his hands like he's waving goodbye. He's one and has done this for 10+ months. He does this a lot
Brief Answer:
Could be a habit, but need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi....this could be a habit at times. But as you say he's doing this a lot, these cyclical movements could we a type of seizure too. I have a few questions for you...
1. Does he smile while doing this?
2. Does he respond to your call while doing this?
3. Did he cry well after birth?
4. How is his attaining of developmental milestones?
5. Is there any family history of seizure disorder?
Get back to me with answers to above questions and I will be glad to help you. If possible upload a video or at least a photograph of his doing this.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Could be a habit, but need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi....this could be a habit at times. But as you say he's doing this a lot, these cyclical movements could we a type of seizure too. I have a few questions for you...
1. Does he smile while doing this?
2. Does he respond to your call while doing this?
3. Did he cry well after birth?
4. How is his attaining of developmental milestones?
5. Is there any family history of seizure disorder?
Get back to me with answers to above questions and I will be glad to help you. If possible upload a video or at least a photograph of his doing this.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
After birth he went 7 days and didn't haven't a bowel movement. After taking him to several doctors we still haven't figured out what the problem is. He still has trouble using the bathroom at times and he started doing this hand movement and feet movement when he would start to use the bathroom and scream. He still does this! The longest he's been recently is 3 days without a bowel movement but when he does he does this and pants excessively, screams and he is literally shaking all over. He eats well and is over all a happy baby minus the bowel issue.
Brief Answer:
Could be a struggle to get hard faeces out
Detailed Answer:
Hi....by what you say I understand that he might be having an issue about passing hard stools and I don't think you should worry....it looking more like a habit, which he cultivated as a diversion from passing hard painful stools.
But you have still not answered my questions please. All the questions I asked are directly referred to the cyclical hand and feet movements. Get back to me with answers to my questions please.
Another suggestion for his hard stools is that - maximum 300ml milk per day, atleast 750-1000ml water per day and vegetables and fruits adding to dietary fiber will help a lot on long run.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Could be a struggle to get hard faeces out
Detailed Answer:
Hi....by what you say I understand that he might be having an issue about passing hard stools and I don't think you should worry....it looking more like a habit, which he cultivated as a diversion from passing hard painful stools.
But you have still not answered my questions please. All the questions I asked are directly referred to the cyclical hand and feet movements. Get back to me with answers to my questions please.
Another suggestion for his hard stools is that - maximum 300ml milk per day, atleast 750-1000ml water per day and vegetables and fruits adding to dietary fiber will help a lot on long run.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No history of seizures in anyone in our family (both sides) yes at times he does it and smiles while playing with toys. Yes he cried well after birth. Yes his development skills are perfect. And while doing this he will not answer me right away at times I've had to grab his hands to get his attention but he then stops and looks at me.
Brief Answer:
Its his way of dealing with struggle of hard stool
Detailed Answer:
Hi....its a habit and its his way if dealing with struggle of passing hard stools. The only permanent solution for this is relief from constipation and it can happen only if his fear of hard painful stools is taken off. The beat way to do you this is stool softening but use of stool softeners should be only temporary... Diet modifications I suggested are the ones which give long lasting relief and also prevent constipation.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth.
Its his way of dealing with struggle of hard stool
Detailed Answer:
Hi....its a habit and its his way if dealing with struggle of passing hard stools. The only permanent solution for this is relief from constipation and it can happen only if his fear of hard painful stools is taken off. The beat way to do you this is stool softening but use of stool softeners should be only temporary... Diet modifications I suggested are the ones which give long lasting relief and also prevent constipation.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
