OBSERVATIONS ON HAND MOVEMENTS IN RETT-SYNDROME - A PILOT-STUDY

Objectives - It has been assumed that the sterotyped hand movements in Rett syndrome are symmetrical, midline and that they prevent purposef ul use of the hands. Their relationship with respiration has not been previously explored. Material and methods - Twenty-five girls whose Re tt syndrome included disorganised breathing were selected. Their paren ts were contacted and interviewed by telephone at their convenience. N one refused. Results - The hand movements were asymmetrical in 44% of girls. Those with mainly unilateral hand movements used the same hand for purposeful tasks. The hand movements appeared to change with chang ing emotional or mental states. In 72% of girls the intensity of hand movements varied directly or inversely with the respiratory pattern. C onclusion - In almost half of the Rett girls the hand stereotypy is as ymmetrical and non-midline. It is not the hand movements which prevent purposeful use of the hands. The hand movements together with the err atic breathing are employed as a useful means of communication.