This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.
Mirror movements (MM) are synkinesias occurring in the opposite side during the intentional use of a limb. They are occasionally present in children, but persistence after age 10 is abnormal.1,2 We have found a large 4-generation family with congenital mirror movements not associated with other neurologic abnormalities.
Methods.
Nineteen members (11 affected and 8 unaffected) of a 4-generation family with individuals affected with congenital MM were interviewed in a systematic questionnaire that queried perinatal history, development, presence of learning disabilities, and other medical history. Information regarding the onset, distribution, suppressibility, and functional and social impact of MM was obtained. A videotaped examination was performed, and subjects underwent diadochokinesimeter measurement of rapid alternating pronation-supination movements at 2 different velocities. The diadochokinesimeter consisted of 2 hand-held plastic spheres connected to optical encoders, which recorded amplitude and velocity of movement in each hand.3 This project was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal.
Results.
This French Canadian family originates from the Lanaudière region of Quebec. There is no known consanguinity. Transmission is autosomal dominant with high but incomplete penetrance. Penetrance is higher in males (figure).
Figure Pedigree of the family with congenital mirror movements illustrating autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance
The index case first sought neurologic attention for episodes of fatigue, and MM were incidentally noted on examination. They had been present since childhood, and had never …
AAN Members
We have changed the login procedure to improve access between AAN.com and the Neurology journals. If you are experiencing issues, please log out of AAN.com and clear history and cookies. (For instructions by browser, please click the instruction pages below). After clearing, choose preferred Journal and select login for AAN Members. You will be redirected to a login page where you can log in with your AAN ID number and password. When you are returned to the Journal, your name should appear at the top right of the page.
AAN Non-Member Subscribers
Purchase access
Disputes & Debates: Rapid online correspondence
NOTE: All authors' disclosures must be entered and current in our database before comments can be posted. Enter and update disclosures at http://submit.neurology.org. Exception: replies to comments concerning an article you originally authored do not require updated disclosures.
- Stay timely. Submit only on articles published within the last 8 weeks.
- Do not be redundant. Read any comments already posted on the article prior to submission.
- 200 words maximum.
- 5 references maximum. Reference 1 must be the article on which you are commenting.
- 5 authors maximum. Exception: replies can include all original authors of the article.
- Submitted comments are subject to editing and editor review prior to posting.