Sandifer syndrome: an overlooked diagnosis?

Three retarded children are described who had marked irritability and abnormal movements of the body and contortions of the neck. These movements were diagnosed as epilepsy and the children were treated with numerous anticonvulsants, without success. Subsequently severe gastro-oesophageal reflux was diagnosed, and treatment of the reflux completely eliminated the abnormal movements. Sandifer syndrome was diagnosed, consisting of abnormal body-movements and contortions of the neck, associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux. Suggestions are made to enable early diagnosis of this syndrome.