Two cases of severe head-banging parasomnias in peripubertal males resulting from otitis media in toddlerhood.

The author presents two case reports of peripubertal boys with severe and chronic head-banging parasomnias, or rhythmic movement disorders (RMDs), which started de novo whilst they were suffering from recurrent and severe otitis media in toddlerhood. Treatment consisting of straightforward behaviour modification techniques and advice concerning healthy sleeping habits proved highly successful. It is proposed that these late-onset or 'acquired' forms of RMD might be distinct from those which continue from infancy which have a stronger developmental aetiology.