By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 05, 2026
understanding movement disorders in children
Watching your child shake, stiffen, or move in ways you can't explain is frightening. These disorders show up more often than most families expect, and most children get real relief once they have the right diagnosis and treatment. At Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, Dr. Tamara Zach MD treats the full range of pediatric movement disorders for families across Arizona, from mild tremors to dystonia.
what pediatric movement disorders are
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect how fast, smooth, or coordinated a child's movements are, whether those movements are voluntary or not. They come from problems in the brain's motor control systems, mainly the circuits running through the basal ganglia and cerebellum. They differ from pediatric seizures, which involve abnormal electrical activity. Most movement disorders don't cause loss of consciousness, though the two can occur together, which is why a full neurological evaluation matters.
These conditions can appear at any age, from infancy through the teenage years. Causes range from genetics and metabolic conditions to infections, brain injuries, and medication side effects. Getting the diagnosis right comes first.
common types of movement disorders in children
tremors
A tremor is rhythmic, involuntary shaking in one or more parts of the body. In children it usually shows up in the hands, but it can also affect the head, voice, or legs. If you're looking for a child tremors neurologist in Arizona, know that tremors aren't all alike:
- Essential tremor — the most common type, often hereditary, which tends to worsen with intentional movement
- Physiologic tremor — a normal, fine tremor that can be amplified by anxiety, fatigue, caffeine, or certain medications
- Cerebellar tremor — associated with coordination difficulties and often related to a problem in the cerebellum
- Task-specific tremor — occurring only during particular activities, such as writing
Dr. Tamara Zach MD sorts out which tremor a child has through a detailed history, a physical and neurological exam, and, when needed, brain imaging or a pediatric EEG to rule out other causes.
dystonia
Dystonia causes sustained or repeating muscle contractions that twist the body into abnormal postures. Dr. Zach sees pediatric dystonia in Phoenix in children of all ages, and it confuses families because the symptoms vary so much. It can affect one body part (focal dystonia), several regions, or the whole body (generalized dystonia).
Common forms include cervical dystonia in the neck, writer's cramp, and early-onset generalized dystonia, which often starts in a leg or arm and spreads over time. Causes include genetic mutations, cerebral palsy, metabolic disorders, and brain injuries. Treatment runs from oral medications and botulinum toxin injections to deep brain stimulation for older children with severe symptoms.
chorea and athetosis
Chorea means rapid, irregular, flowing movements that jump unpredictably from one body part to another. Add slower, writhing movements and it's called choreoathetosis. In Arizona children, the causes worth checking include Sydenham's chorea (tied to strep infection), autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders like Huntington's disease, and certain medications. When chorea comes on suddenly, get it evaluated fast.
tics and Tourette syndrome
Tics are sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or sounds, and they're among the most common movement issues in school-age kids. They're often harmless and temporary, but they can connect to tics and Tourette syndrome, which Dr. Tamara Zach MD diagnoses and manages with behavioral and medication approaches backed by evidence. Many children with tics also deal with attention or anxiety issues that respond well to coordinated care.
myoclonus and ataxia
Myoclonus is sudden, brief muscle jerks. Ataxia is poor coordination and balance. Either can be harmless or point to something more serious, so both deserve a thorough neurological workup.
what to expect for diagnosis at Rose Medical Pavilion
Many of these disorders look alike, so Dr. Zach works through each child systematically. A full visit usually includes:
- A detailed medical history, including prenatal, developmental, and family history
- A thorough neurological examination focused on motor control, tone, coordination, and reflexes
- Review of video recordings families bring from home — often invaluable for capturing movements that may not occur in the office
- Targeted laboratory testing, genetic panels, or metabolic workups when indicated
- Brain MRI or EEG when structural or electrical causes need to be investigated
treatment and support resources in Arizona
Treatment for movement disorders in children in Phoenix and the rest of Arizona depends entirely on the child. Based on the diagnosis, Dr. Zach may recommend medications, refer to physical or occupational therapy, or work with other specialists. For younger children with developmental concerns, Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides therapy services for kids under three, and families on AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, can get many of these neurology services at little or no cost.
Arizona's climate keeps children active outdoors all year, which helps their development. But the Phoenix summer heat can worsen fatigue-related tremors or complicate medication. Dr. Zach factors these local realities into a practical care plan built around the whole child.
when to seek evaluation
Trust your instincts. Get a pediatric neurology evaluation if your child's movements are new, getting worse, interfering with school or daily life, painful, or just leaving you unsure of what you're seeing. The sooner you come in, the sooner you get a diagnosis, and earlier diagnoses lead to better outcomes.
You can read more about Dr. Tamara Zach MD and her approach to evidence-based pediatric neurological care on our practice page.
schedule an appointment at Rose Medical Pavilion
If tremors, dystonia, tics, or any unusual movements in your child worry you, the team at Rose Medical Pavilion can help. Dr. Tamara Zach MD provides family-centered care for children across Phoenix and the wider Arizona area. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.