Twitchy arm movement in my 11 year old.

[Rupertpenrysmistress]

I have requested a GP appointment and today contacted 111, I am so worried I wonder if someone can offer some advice. Currently still awaiting 111 who should have called back within an hour 4 hours ago.

My 11 son has had excessive twitching movement in his left arm and now his left leg appears to be uncoordinated. It has worsened today hence calling 111 I don't think it's an A&E visit yet.
My son is right handed but ow does not use this hand due uncontrolled movements and twitching, he literally sits on his hand to stop it moving, he is dropping things and can no longer write clearly. His walking is affected in that his hip swings out and he lifts his right foot really high to clear the floor. Otherwise he Is well, eating/drinking/sleeping/ no headache/head injury. I am so worried about him and really sad for him as he can no longer play Fortnite with his friends.

Sorry it's long any advice from anyone?

Sorry it's his right side arm and leg affected. Not left.

Did they ring back?

Has this come out of the blue today or was it there before but now significantly changed?

If sudden onset I would suggest A&E, but via 111 seems to be the route with COVID?

If it is declining since first 111 just ring back -

If you look at his face is it symmetrical? Any slurred speech? Can he raise his arms above his head?

I’d want some medical advice tonight, ring back 111 if they haven’t got back as PP said.

Otherwise I would take him to A&E as it has worsened today, but hopefully you can get advice from 111 before you do.

Thank you for replying, no his face is not lopsided, no speech difficulty. When he is sitting down its just his arm it's like it has a life of its own so he sits on it. I did call 111 again they are understandably busy so will escalate! If I have any concerns I would take him to A&E I am a nurse and fairly confident whilst urgent it is not life threatening.

He has been like this for a few days but I initially thought he was tired/growing. His arm only started a few days ago so I have sent a request to my GP for an appointment but of course covid/Xmas. I will make sure he is seen tomorrow if 111 Don't offer an alternative.

Just to say I was wondering if it was something like dyspraxia? Don't know enough about it and am trying not to consult Dr Google.

i dont believe dyspraxia comes on suddenly op.

No I guess I am just desperate. 111 didn't think it was urgent. He has other subtle things he has done for years and when I googled the jerky arm movement he had some of the traits. He has always had poor fine motor skills, shoe tying/buttons he hates loud noise, his writing is awful, no coordination with regards to sports. He is very emotional at times but very quick to get angry. He does also make odd random noises occasionally. I may be grasping at straws as the alternative is too much to consider, I can't hold myself together if I go there and he needs me to be together to help him.

Very long shot but could it be an affect of PANDAS?

Hi OP - I’m a mum, but also medical - in your shoes I think I’d have a very low threshold for taking him to A&E, particularly as there has been a marked and quite rapid deterioration which is now affecting his gait as you describe - there could well be a less serious explanation, but as I think you know deep down there are also a number of important, more serious potential causes which could do with being excluded - if you aren’t having any luck with 111 then I think I’d take him along.

Myoclonic seizures maybe? My son had a seizure, nothing happened prior to this seizure then since he can have 50+ myoclonic jerks a day from his head to his hands twitching, asif he's thrown the fork across the room some times ?
They came on so thick and no warning at all. We've now got them down to around 10 a day but they did just come out of no where and their was so many! I really hope it's nothing op xx

Thank you everyone. I decided to take my son to A&E he has had a head CT and will have an MRI in the morning. Just waiting to be admitted to the ward. Will update.

I hope everything is ok @Rupertpenrysmistress , thinking of you both x

Good luck.

Hope all ok -

Glad he is having scans, best wishes,

CT/MRI clear. Neuro believe it is something called Sydenhams chorea an immune response to a previous strep a throat infection. Treatment is long term antibiotics RV in 6 weeks and hope the diagnosis is correct and he improves. Thanks everyone for your input and wishes.

So glad the scans were clear. That sounds similar/linked to PANDAS which is linked to strep infection.

glad you have a conclusion, good luck

Exactly Panda bit more of a controversial diagnosis apparently though. We have a bit of work to do now with school as he can't write etc but we will get there. Thanks again.