Tremor Presenting in Infants and Children Aged <2 Years

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Tremor in infants and young children can be concerning for parents and clinicians.
• Understanding the characteristics and prognosis of early-onset tremor is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical presentation, natural history, and treatment outcomes of tremor in children younger than two years.
• To identify factors associated with tremor resolution in this age group.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients under two years old diagnosed with tremor.
• Data collected included age at onset, diagnosis, follow-up, tremor characteristics, and medical history.
• Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine children under two years old with tremor were identified.
• Tremor was often exacerbated by eating, sleep, or emotional states but did not impede development or necessitate medication.
• Thirty-one percent of patients experienced complete tremor resolution, with others showing stable or improved symptoms. Younger age at diagnosis, no prior medical history, and leg tremor were linked to resolution.

Conclusions:

• Tremor presenting in children under two years of age generally follows a benign clinical course.
• Many children outgrow this type of tremor, often without requiring intervention.