Iconic Symptoms Of Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Repeated Self-Hugging

A Smith-Magenis syndrome patient may exhibit the abnormal behavior of repeated self-hugging. The repeated self hugging behavior is described as a tic an affected individual may struggle to control or is involuntary. This tic of the individual's upper body occurs in response to feelings of overstimulation, overwhelming happiness, or excitement. It is not uncommon for Smith-Magenis syndrome patients to produce facial grimaces as they exhibit this repetitive self hugging behavior. Self-hugging describes when an individual clasps both of their hands together tightly and pulls their arms to their sides, or when they tightly cross both of their arms across the chest and squeeze their upper body. Because this behavioral abnormality is one that occurs in response to happiness or pleasure in an individual with Smith-Magenis syndrome, it is considered to be one of the more benign symptoms.

Learn more about the warning signs of Smith-Magenis syndrome now.