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Information on Bobble Head Doll Syndrome

Bobble-head doll syndrome is a very rare movement disorder that appears during childhood. It is typically associated with abnormalities in the third ventricle region of the brain and usually can be successfully treated with surgery.

  1. Symptoms

    • Bobble-head doll syndrome involves continuous or intermittent involuntary rhythmic head movements, most commonly nodding up and down and rarely horizontally. In some cases, other physical symptoms include tremors, palsy and coordination difficulties.

    Risk Factors

    • The syndrome is associated with cysts in the third ventricle area that cause increased pressure. An accumulation of fluid inside the skull also may occur, leading to brain swelling (hydrocephalus).

    Significance

    • The extreme rarity of this syndrome can make it difficult to diagnose. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to permanent neurological dysfunction, growth abnormalities, cognitive deficits and psychomotor retardation.

    Diagnostic Improvements

    • Increasing availability of imaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has improved diagnostic accuracy and prognosis for these patients.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for bobble-head syndrome may include removing excess fluid through a shunt operation and removing the cyst with an endoscopic procedure.

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