Can breath-holding spells cause seizures?

Some children also have seizures during breath-holding spells. This does not mean they have a seizure disorder. Seizures are different from mild twitching, and they may cause a child to vomit or pass urine. They are more likely to occur in children who have long periods of breath-holding.

How can you tell the difference between a breath-holding spell and a seizure?

Breath-holding attacks can be distinguished from seizures as they are provoked, typically by pain or the child becoming upset. Typically, the child will begin crying and then stop breathing as they breathe out. It may sound like a silent cry or a series of grunts.

What is breath-holding syncope?

Answer. A breath-holding spell is a benign paroxysmal nonepileptic disorder occurring in healthy children 6 to 48 months of age. The episodes start with a provocation such as emotional upset or minor injury, and might progress to breath holding, cyanosis, and syncope.

What are the 2 types of breath-holding syncopal events?

Breath holding spells have been reported to present to medical attention as an ALTE. These are typically divided into two types: cyanotic and pallid. In cyanotic breath holding spells, there is usually an emotional trigger such as anger or frustration.

Can vasovagal syncope mimic a seizure?

This neurological disorder can result in convulsions, loss of consciousness, and limited motor activity. Vasovagal syncope can mimic epileptic seizures and be difficult to diagnose at first look.

What happens after a breath-holding spell?

The cyanotic spell is often a response to frustration, anger, fear, or pain. It usually occurs when the child is crying and becomes unable to draw a breath. Their skin turns bluish, especially around the lips, and they faint. They regain consciousness within a minute.

Can breath-holding spells be fatal?

A breath holding spell is when a child holds their breath, usually after being angry, frustrated, startled, or in pain. Sometimes the breath holding leads to the child passing out. It can be frightening to watch a breath-holding spell, but they aren’t harmful and usually last less than a minute.

Why do breath-holding spells happen?

What causes breath holding? The cause of breath holding is not known. Breath holding is usually involuntary, and is caused by a slowing of the heart rate or changes in your child’s usual breathing patterns. Sometimes breath-holding spells are brought on by strong emotions such as anger, fear, pain or frustration.

Are breath-holding spells fatal?

Can breath-holding spells cause death?

Serious complications of breath holding spells are rare, but cases of sudden death, prolonged asystole, and status epilepticus have been reported. A detailed history and exam are important to diagnose theses spells and help distinguish from epileptic seizures and other causes of syncope.

Can a syncopal episode look like a seizure?

Many syncopal events include loss of consciousness as the only symptom. The diagnostic problem occurs when a patient with syncope also has myoclonic jerks or convulsions. These events are sometimes referred to as seizure-like syncope or convulsive syncope.

Can you have a seizure with syncope?

A seizure resulting from syncope is termed convulsive syncope, and seizure activity occurs in up to 20 percent of episodes of syncope. Seizures can result from an occult cardiac etiology, and some causes, such as an episodic arrhythmia, can escape elucidation in the ED.

Can breath-holding spells be mistaken for seizures?

They are commonly mistaken for seizures. Spells usually occur in an otherwise neurologically healthy toddler. The most common age for a spell is between 12 and 18 months old. Some children with breath-holding spells can be younger.

Can an electroencephalogram (EEG) distinguish between syncope and epileptic seizures?

Episodes of syncope or breath-holding spells are often misdiagnosed as epileptic events. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of an electroencephalogram (EEG) with ocular compression to distinguish breath-holding spells and syncope from epileptic seizures.

What is a breath holding spell in a child?

Answer. A breath-holding spell is a benign paroxysmal nonepileptic disorder occurring in healthy children 6 to 48 months of age. The episodes start with a provocation such as emotional upset or minor injury, and might progress to breath holding, cyanosis, and syncope. The episodes are extremely frightening to watch but have benign consequences.

Do breath-holding spells have any long-term effects?

No long-term neurological or health issues occur as a consequence of having breath-holding spells in childhood. There is not an increased risk of having epileptic seizures associated with breath-holding spells. This is true even if the child shows convulsive movements during the spell.