Ashwin Lewis
It is common for newborns to twitch or spasm in their sleep, and this is usually a normal part of their development. However, in some rare cases, it could be a sign of a more serious condition called infantile spasms, a type of epilepsy that affects around 1 in 2,000 infants and children in the US each year. Infantile spasms can have a significant impact on a baby's development, so it is important to be aware of the signs and seek medical advice if you are concerned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spasms | Brief tensing or jerking spells involving the abdomen, head, neck, arms and/or legs |
| Last for one to two seconds | |
| Usually happen in a series or cluster | |
| Happen after the baby wakes up from sleep | |
| Babies may have up to 100 spasms a day | |
| May be accompanied by a loss of developmental milestones, loss of social interactions, and increased fussiness or silence | |
| Cause | May be caused by loud noises, bright lights, or sudden movements |
| May be caused by an inherited condition called tuberous sclerosis complex | |
| May be caused by genetic conditions like Down syndrome | |
| May be caused by non-inherited problems with the baby's genes | |
| May be caused by benign sleep myoclonus | |
| Diagnosis | Diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist |
| EEG (electroencephalogram) is used to measure brain waves or electrical activity | |
| Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans are used to examine the brain structure | |
| Genetic testing is performed to check for specific causes |
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What You'll Learn
- Infantile spasms are a rare form of epilepsy that affects 1 in 2,000 infants
- Newborns commonly twitch in their sleep due to reflexes, development, or dreaming
- Benign sleep myoclonus is harmless and can be triggered by loud noises or touch
- Infantile spasms can be diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist using EEG, imaging tests, and genetic testing
- Treatment for infantile spasms includes medication or surgery, but early diagnosis is key
Infantile spasms are a rare form of epilepsy that affects 1 in 2,000 infants
Infantile spasms are a rare form of epilepsy that affects approximately 1 in 2,000 infants. They are characterised by brief spells of tensing or jerking that involve the baby's abdomen, head, neck, arms, and/or legs. These spasms typically last for one to two seconds and occur in a series or cluster, with five- to ten-second pauses in between. While infantile spasms can resemble a normal startle reflex in newborns, they are distinct.
Infantile spasms are often mistaken for other typical baby behaviours or colic. They can be subtle, with signs such as eye rolling, belly tensing, chin movements, and head nodding. They usually occur when a baby is waking up and rarely happen during sleep. If you suspect your baby is experiencing infantile spasms, it is crucial to consult a paediatrician as soon as possible.
The underlying cause of infantile spasms is often unknown, but they are associated with abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. In some cases, they may be linked to a structural change in the brain due to a prior injury, brain infection, or lack of oxygen. Up to 50% of children with infantile spasms experience long-term developmental and neurological issues. These spasms can lead to cognitive, neurologic, and/or sensory problems, and affected children may require assistance with daily tasks throughout their lives.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the overall outlook. Treatment options include medication, such as oral prednisolone (a synthetic corticosteroid) and vigabatrin (an anti-seizure medication), as well as epilepsy surgery in some cases. Early intervention and effective management can help mitigate the potential consequences of infantile spasms on a child's developing brain.
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Newborns commonly twitch in their sleep due to reflexes, development, or dreaming
It is common for newborns to twitch in their sleep, and this is usually not a cause for concern. Lyndsey Garbi, a New York City-based pediatrician, explains that twitching in sleep is a normal part of a baby's development. Here are some reasons why newborns commonly twitch in their sleep:
Reflexes
Newborns can exhibit twitching due to reflexes, such as the Moro reflex or startle reflex. This is a normal response to loud noises, bright lights, or sudden movements, and it typically disappears by the time the baby is 4 to 6 months old. The Moro reflex involves the baby flinging their arms and legs wide and then bringing them together. While it can resemble infantile spasms, the startle reflex typically only occurs once, whereas infantile spasms happen in clusters.
Development
Babies are born with immature yet rapidly developing neurological systems, which can cause them to twitch or move a lot in their sleep. Researchers believe that these twitches are part of the baby's developmental process, as they learn about their limbs and what they can do. Carolynne J. Harvey, a pediatric sleep specialist, explains that twitching is most common during NREM sleep but can also occur during active REM sleep.
Dreaming
Twitching during sleep can also be attributed to dreaming. According to Carolynne J. Harvey, dreaming is another reason for babies to twitch in their sleep. While it is more common during NREM sleep, twitching can occur during the REM cycle, which is when we dream.
It is important to note that while benign sleep myoclonus (twitching during sleep) is typically harmless, if you are concerned or notice any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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Benign sleep myoclonus is harmless and can be triggered by loud noises or touch
If your newborn is experiencing spasms in her sleep, it could be due to benign sleep myoclonus. This is a harmless condition that typically occurs in newborns and resolves within a few months without any long-term implications. It is characterised by rhythmic myoclonic movements that occur during sleep and stop when the child is awake.
Benign sleep myoclonus can be triggered by various stimuli, including loud noises, touch, or attempts at passive restraint. These stimuli can cause more prominent myoclonic activity in the infant. The condition usually presents within a few days of birth and can last for a few weeks to several months, with most cases resolving by 3 months of age.
It is important to distinguish benign sleep myoclonus from other more serious conditions such as infantile spasms or epilepsy. Infantile spasms are a rare type of childhood epilepsy that can affect newborns and infants, typically between 3 to 12 months of age. They are characterised by brief tensing or jerking spells involving the baby's abdomen, head, neck, arms, and/or legs. These spasms usually occur in clusters or series and can have a significant impact on a baby's development if left untreated.
If you suspect your newborn is experiencing benign sleep myoclonus, it is still important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any other potential causes or underlying conditions. They may perform various tests, such as an EEG (electroencephalogram) or imaging tests, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and provide reassurance.
While benign sleep myoclonus is generally harmless, it can cause concern for parents. Understanding the nature and frequency of this condition can help prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments, reducing parental anxiety.
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Infantile spasms can be diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist using EEG, imaging tests, and genetic testing
It is quite common for newborns and infants to startle due to loud noises, bright lights, or sudden movements. This is known as the startle or Moro reflex. However, in rare cases, these movements may be indicative of a more serious condition called infantile spasms, a type of childhood epilepsy. Infantile spasms can have a significant impact on a baby's development and can cause permanent changes to their brain if left untreated.
Infantile spasms can be diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist using various methods, including EEG, imaging tests, and genetic testing. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a vital test in the diagnosis of infantile spasms, as it measures the brain waves or electrical activity in the child's brain. This test can confirm the presence of abnormal brain wave patterns called hypsarrhythmia, which is characterized by chaotic, high-amplitude brain waves. A prolonged EEG of up to 24 hours may be necessary to capture the spasms, especially in the early stages of the condition.
Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are also used to examine the child's brain structure and look for any underlying abnormalities or injuries. These tests can provide valuable information for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. Additionally, genetic testing plays a crucial role in identifying specific genetic causes of infantile spasms. It can detect changes in DNA that may explain why a child is experiencing these spasms.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your baby is experiencing infantile spasms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for your child's development. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, dietary therapies, and neurostimulation devices, depending on the underlying cause of the spasms.
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Treatment for infantile spasms includes medication or surgery, but early diagnosis is key
Infantile spasms are a rare type of childhood epilepsy that affects approximately 1 in 2,000 infants and children in the US each year. They are characterised by brief spells of tensing or jerking that involve the baby's abdomen, head, neck, arms and/or legs. These spasms typically last for one to two seconds and occur in a series or cluster, with each spasm happening every five to ten seconds. They usually occur when a baby is waking up and rarely happen during sleep.
Infantile spasms can have serious, permanent consequences on a child's developing brain if left untreated. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. A paediatric neurologist can diagnose infantile spasms by evaluating a child's movements and performing an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess their brain waves. Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic testing may also be used to examine the child's brain structure and identify specific causes.
The main treatments for infantile spasms include medication and, in some cases, surgery. Hormonal therapy and anti-seizure medications, such as vigabatrin, are commonly used to treat infantile spasms. Vigabatrin is particularly effective for children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However, it is important to monitor a baby's vision while on this medication, as it has been associated with rare cases of peripheral vision loss. Steroid therapy with prednisone/prednisolone or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is another treatment option, but it may have side effects such as infection, high blood pressure, and stomach irritation.
In addition to medication, surgery may be considered for treating infantile spasms. However, the decision to pursue surgery depends on the specific circumstances of each case and the child's overall health. It is important to note that even with successful treatment, some children remain at risk for other types of seizures later in life. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving the likelihood of healthy development and reducing potential harm to the child's brain.
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Frequently asked questions
It is very common for newborns to twitch and spasm in their sleep. This is usually due to reflexes, development, or dreaming. However, if you are concerned, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If you notice your baby is experiencing infantile spasms, which are tiny seizures that can impact their development, seek medical advice immediately. Infantile spasms are characterised by brief tensing or jerking spells that involve the baby's abdomen, head, neck, arms, and/or legs. They usually happen in clusters, lasting one to two seconds each, and rarely occur during sleep.
If you suspect your baby is having infantile spasms, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key. You can also try to capture videos of your baby's spasms to show to the doctor.
