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Do Loss Of Control Of Hand Gestures, Short-term Memory Loss And Mood Swings Require Medical Attention?
Question: my 11 year old granddaughter has always used hand gestures/shaking when she talks or is excited by a movie. It was adorable when she was three however she has short term memory loss and says she loses control of the hand motions and becomes angry easily. Her Father took his own life when she was 5 and her mother told her that when she was 9.
Brief Answer:
Multiple causes to investigate
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. The hand gestures and shaking can be a feature of a lively, enthusiastic personality. However, loss of control, short-term memory loss and mood swings in a child always require further investigation.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be a plausible cause, given that the knowledge on how her father died is not something that can be processed easily by a child.
However, this should be the last explanation after all other organic causes are ruled out.
I would start with a visit to the neurologist and blood work to check for blood disorders, sugar levels, and heavy metal poisoning. Diabetes and lead poisoning can be a possible explanation.
Ultimately, a brain MRI to check for brain disorders or tumours may be necessary. If everything turns out normal, I advise you consult a child therapist.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ornela Ademovi, General & Family Physician
Multiple causes to investigate
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. The hand gestures and shaking can be a feature of a lively, enthusiastic personality. However, loss of control, short-term memory loss and mood swings in a child always require further investigation.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be a plausible cause, given that the knowledge on how her father died is not something that can be processed easily by a child.
However, this should be the last explanation after all other organic causes are ruled out.
I would start with a visit to the neurologist and blood work to check for blood disorders, sugar levels, and heavy metal poisoning. Diabetes and lead poisoning can be a possible explanation.
Ultimately, a brain MRI to check for brain disorders or tumours may be necessary. If everything turns out normal, I advise you consult a child therapist.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ornela Ademovi, General & Family Physician
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
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