Aim: Head thrusts are well documented in Joubert syndrome and ocular motor apraxia. We provide a detailed clinical characterization of head titubation in 13 young children with Joubert syndrome.
Method: Detailed characterization of head titubation was assessed by targeted clinical evaluation and/or analysis of videos.
Results: In 12 of 13 children (eight males, five females; median age 6y, range 2mo-15y) head titubation was first recognized in the first 2 months of age and decreased in severity until spontaneous resolution. In all children, the head titubation was horizontal, high frequency (~3Hz), had small amplitude (5-10°), was never present during sleep, and did not interfere with the neurodevelopment during infancy. In the majority of children, emotion, anxiety, and tiredness were worsening factors for head titubation.
Interpretation: Head titubation is a benign, early presentation of Joubert syndrome. Head titubation in hypotonic infants should prompt a careful search for Joubert syndrome. Awareness of its occurrence in Joubert syndrome may avoid unnecessary investigations.
© 2014 Mac Keith Press.