By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 05, 2026
Understanding Movement Disorders in Children
When a parent notices their child shaking, stiffening, or moving in ways that seem unusual or uncontrolled, it can be an understandably frightening experience. Movement disorders in children are more common than many families realize, and the good news is that with an accurate diagnosis and the right care, most children can find meaningful relief and live full, active lives. At Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, Dr. Tamara Zach MD works closely with families across Arizona to identify and treat the full spectrum of pediatric movement disorders — from mild tremors to more complex conditions like dystonia.
What Are Pediatric Movement Disorders?
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the speed, quality, or coordination of a child's voluntary or involuntary movements. They arise from disruptions in the brain's motor control systems, particularly circuits involving the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Unlike pediatric seizures, which involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain, most movement disorders do not cause loss of consciousness — though the two conditions can sometimes coexist, making a comprehensive neurological evaluation especially important.
Movement disorders in children can appear at any age, from infancy through adolescence, and their causes range from genetic factors and metabolic conditions to infections, brain injuries, and medication side effects. An accurate diagnosis is the essential first step toward effective treatment.
Common Types of Movement Disorders in Children
Tremors
A tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary shaking of one or more parts of the body. In children, tremors most often affect the hands, but they can also involve the head, voice, or legs. For families searching for a child tremors neurologist in Arizona, it's important to understand that not all tremors are the same:
- 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 carefully distinguishes between tremor types through a detailed clinical history, physical and neurological examination, and, when indicated, brain imaging or a pediatric EEG to rule out other underlying neurological causes.
Dystonia
Dystonia causes sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that result in abnormal postures or twisting movements. Pediatric dystonia in Phoenix is a condition Dr. Zach sees in children of all ages, and it can be particularly challenging for families to understand because its symptoms are so variable. Dystonia may affect a single body part (focal dystonia), multiple regions, or the entire body (generalized dystonia).
Common forms include cervical dystonia (affecting the neck), writer's cramp, and early-onset generalized dystonia, which often begins in a leg or arm and can spread over time. Causes include genetic mutations, cerebral palsy, metabolic disorders, and brain injuries. Treatment options range from oral medications and botulinum toxin injections to, in select cases, deep brain stimulation for older children with severe symptoms.
Chorea and Athetosis
Chorea refers to rapid, irregular, flowing movements that shift unpredictably from one body part to another. When slower, writhing movements are combined with chorea, the condition is called choreoathetosis. In Arizona children, causes to consider include Sydenham's chorea (linked to streptococcal infection), autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders such as Huntington's disease, and certain medications. Prompt evaluation is critical when chorea appears suddenly.
Tics and Tourette Syndrome
Tics — sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or vocalizations — are among the most frequently encountered movement issues in school-age children. While often benign and temporary, tics can sometimes be associated with tics and Tourette syndrome, a condition Dr. Tamara Zach MD diagnoses and manages with evidence-based behavioral and pharmacological approaches. Many children with tics also experience co-occurring attention or anxiety challenges that benefit from integrated care.
Myoclonus and Ataxia
Myoclonus — sudden, brief muscle jerks — and ataxia — poor coordination and balance — round out the broader landscape of childhood movement disorders. Both can be benign or signals of a more serious underlying condition, underscoring the value of thorough neurological assessment.
Diagnosis: What to Expect at Rose Medical Pavilion
Because many movement disorders share overlapping features, Dr. Zach takes a systematic, individualized approach to every child she evaluates. A comprehensive visit at Rose Medical Pavilion typically 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 throughout Arizona is highly individualized. Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Zach may recommend medications, physical or occupational therapy referrals, or coordination with other specialists. For younger children with developmental concerns, Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) offers important therapeutic services for children under three, and families covered by AHCCCS — Arizona's Medicaid program — can access many of these neurology services at little or no cost.
Arizona's warm climate means children are highly active outdoors year-round, which is wonderful for development — but Phoenix's intense summer heat can occasionally worsen fatigue-related tremors or complicate medication management. Dr. Zach helps families navigate these Arizona-specific considerations as part of a practical, whole-child care plan.
When Should You Seek Evaluation?
Trust your instincts as a parent. You should seek a pediatric neurology evaluation if your child has movements that are new, worsening, interfering with school or daily activities, accompanied by pain, or if you simply aren't sure what you're seeing. Early evaluation leads to earlier diagnosis — and earlier diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
You can learn more about about Dr. Tamara Zach MD and her approach to compassionate, evidence-based pediatric neurological care on our practice page.
Schedule an Appointment at Rose Medical Pavilion
If you're concerned about tremors, dystonia, tics, or any unusual movements in your child, the team at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Dr. Tamara Zach MD provides expert, family-centered care for children across Phoenix and the greater Arizona area. Reach out today to schedule a consultation — because every child deserves answers and the opportunity to move through life with confidence.
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.