Bobble head doll syndrome (BHDS): Case report

Abstract

The bobble head doll syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by repetitive and involuntary movement of the head that typically appear in childhood. It is usually associated with the dilatation of the third ventricle and one or more cystic lesions that can be treated surgically. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with a history of autism, who has experiencing repetitive up and down head movements for 2 years, which were initially thought to be stereotypies. However, 2 months prior to admission, the movements worsened and were accompanied by symptoms of intracranial hypertension. The neurological examination revealed a coordination disorder, specifically a tremor, along with impairment of thermo-algic sensitivity. Ophthalmological examination was unremarkable, but the MRI indicated a colloid cyst of the third ventricle. A minimally invasive neuro-endoscopy procedure was chosen as the treatment of choice for our patient. The bobble head doll syndrome is a complex neurological disorder, and imaging is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of any movement disorder to enable an early diagnosis and treatment.