Bobble-head doll syndrome

Bobble-head doll syndrome
Synonyms	BHDS
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Neurology
Symptoms	Head bobbing, ataxia, hydrocephalus
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically in childhood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Cyst in the third ventricle of the brain
Risks	Increased intracranial pressure
Diagnosis	MRI
Differential diagnosis	Parkinson's disease, Essential tremor
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical intervention, ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Alternate names

BHDS; Bobble head doll syndrome

Definition

Bobble-head doll syndrome (BHDS) is a rare neurological condition that is typically first seen in childhood.

Cause

Although the specific cause of this condition is unknown, BHDS is often seen with cysts in the third ventricle of the brain that also cause hydrocephalus (water on the brain).

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of BHDS include characteristic up and down head movements that increase during walking and excitement and decrease during concentration.

Treatment

Treatment for BHDS may involve surgical removal of the cyst causing the condition or using a shunt to drain excess water on the brain.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Bobble-head doll syndrome

Bobble-head doll syndrome is a rare disease.