Belly Dancer's Dyskinesia: A Rare Condition

Abstract

Belly dancer's dyskinesia or diaphragmatic flutter (DF) is a rare condition characterized by repetitive involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. Also known as diaphragmatic myoclonus (DM), this disorder can manifest with involuntary movement of the abdominal wall and contraction of accessory respiratory muscles or respiratory myoclonus. Because of its variable presentation, diagnosis can often be difficult and delayed. This phenomenon is thought to be secondary to abnormal excitation of the phrenic nerve, via the central nervous system or along the nerve. Another possible mechanism is the irritation of the diaphragm itself. Diagnosis can be made with ultrasound, thoracic videofluoroscopy, or electromyography (EMG). Different pharmacologic and surgical therapies have been used in the past, but overall, there are no specific guidelines regarding treatment. In this report, we present a case of DF in a young female patient.

Chronic Abdominal Myoclonus Controlled with Prednisone Therapy: A Case Report

“…They are differentiated from abdominal tremors due to their jerky quality with varying amplitudes, rather than low amplitude, rhythmic contractions. Etiologies of abdominal myoclonus have been reported to be medication side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, abdominal surgery, childbirth, intramedullary thoracic cord tumors, osmotic demyelination, encephalitis, basal ganglia lesions, and epilepsy [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Epileptic myoclonic movements are generally present in a more stereotypic, episodic fashion.…”

Belly dancer's dyskinesia during pregnancy: A rare case from South Korea

“…Three hypotheses exist for the etiology of abnormal abdominal movements in BDD of pregnancy: (1) gravid uterus compresses the spinal cord, (2) vitamin B12 deficiency, and (3) irritation of the phrenic nerve 2–4 …”

“…Three hypotheses exist for the etiology of abnormal abdominal movements in BDD of pregnancy: (1) gravid uterus compresses the spinal cord, (2) vitamin B12 deficiency, and (3) irritation of the phrenic nerve. [2][3][4] Diagnosis of BDD is challenging because diagnostic criteria have not been established, and diagnostic modalities (blood tests, radiologic imaging, and electromyography) have been unremarkable.…”