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[Shuddering attacks in four children]
O Kanazawa1, S Shirane, S Hayakawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Epilepsy Center, Nishi-Niigata Central National Hospital.
No to Hattatsu = Brain and Development
|September 27, 2000
Summary
Shuddering attacks (SA) in infants are benign tremors, potentially linked to essential tremor (ET). While typically resolving, some cases may indicate subtle nervous system developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Neurophysiology
Context:
- Shuddering attacks (SA) are rare, benign infant disorders presenting as brief, frequent shivering without consciousness impairment.
- SA are considered an early manifestation of essential tremor (ET), sharing similar pathophysiology.
- Previous case reports on SA exist, but none originate from Japan.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathophysiology of shuddering attacks in infants using video-EEG monitoring.
- To differentiate SA from epileptic seizures in early childhood.
- To explore potential underlying neurological factors in children experiencing SA.
Summary:
- Four children (8-14 months) with SA underwent video-EEG monitoring.
- Electromyogram data indicated frequent shuddering movements, comparable to ET in one patient.
- SA diminished or resolved in all participants; one showed immature brain development on MRI, and another had a flattened sella turcica, suggesting potential borderline neurological issues.
Impact:
- Challenges the notion that SA are exclusively benign and require no further investigation.
- Highlights the need for careful neurological assessment in infants with SA, considering potential developmental concerns.
- Contributes novel findings from Japan on SA pathophysiology and clinical presentation.