Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. There are two types of hypertonia that describe muscle tone: To identify which type of hypertonia your baby has, your healthcare provider will move your babys arm or leg from a relaxed position at different speeds in a range of directions. I'm curious what your doctor will say. The refluxing baby will often stiffen his legs and body and arch his back, throwing his head back. Learn more about seizures in babies here. This is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. Move hard objects (such as toys or furniture) out of the way, and roll your baby onto their side to help prevent choking in the case of vomiting. If theres damage or any interference in your brains pathways, your muscles are unable to hear what the nerve signals are telling them to do. Could this be a sign of baby anxiety or some kind of neurological issue? When the area is safe, roll them onto their side to prevent choking. While these seizures may last only a second or two, they often happen close together with each spasm occurring every 5-10 seconds in a series. An abnormal electrical discharge in the brain causes a seizure. The signs of seizures in babies will depend on the type of seizure. Its normally diagnosed in babies before two years of age. Cerebral palsy is the impaired movement and balance that occurs in the brain even before birth. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Seems like its only when hes excited but he makes a big O with his mouth, gets stiff and depending on how excited a little shake. Did you get it checked out? Tips for children who are stimming or hand flapping when they are excited (even if it's not autism). More often, it puts parents in bouts of worry. Hypertonia is a lifelong condition that can improve over time with treatment. Giving this another bump in case anyone has an update on how their kiddies with this behaviour are doing? It definitely only occurs when she's super excited. In most cases, this is a normal reflex known as the startle, or Moro, reflex. When you picture someone having a seizure, you probably envision a jerking, shaking body and a temporary loss of consciousness. See also 3 Year Old Bumped His Head. If you can, try to video any episodes of your baby having a spasm and show this to your child's doctors. Infantile spasms, first described with a group of symptoms known as West syndrome,is a form of epilepsy that occurs in 1 in 2,000 children. Children might also stiffen up their bottoms when they're having a bowel movement, especially if the stool is hard. m. martintan. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Infantile spasms can cause serious, permanent changes to a child's developing brain without early diagnosis and treatment. Looking at every ones posts 6 months seems to be the age it happens maybe its there way of showing there excitement. One of my daughters has seizures and neurologically-caused muscle tremors. You can prepare for the visit and help the doctor with diagnosis by: Your child's pediatrician may refer you to a specialist for additional testing if needed. There are different types of seizure, and each has different symptoms. But that is contrary to the case. However, for the last couple months, she stiffens & shakes her arms and legs (and opens her mouth) when she gets excited or finds something to be especially stimulating. (n.d.). Researchers are unsure of the exact cause of cerebral palsy. Sometimes, it is difficult for parents or caregivers to notice seizures in babies and young children, as they can be subtle. Editor's Note: The article was published in recognition of Infantile Spasms Awareness Week to help parents, as well as physicians and other health care providers, learn more about this disease and its treatments. We now know she has a rare neurological disorder called CMS- complex motor stereotypy. What kind of controlled safe scientific experiments can be conducted on a baby? Could this be a sign of baby anxiety or some kind of neurological issue? It's very common for newborns and infants to startle. Please update me if you can thanks in advance. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. My 9-Year-Old's Unexpected Seizure Taught Me the Power of Letting Go, Everything You Need to Know About Absence Seizures in Children, Everything You Need to Know About Absence Seizures In Children, 7 Scary Baby Symptoms That Are Perfectly Normal, A Week-by-Week Guide to Your Baby's First Year Milestones, 10 Things Pediatricians Wish Every New Parent Knew. Right now, she's just beginning to crawl & is trying to pull up. Exercising regularly within personal limits. If your infant grunts and stiffens while obviously in distress, even if you think it is constipation, talk to your doctor. Is my childs diagnosis the result of an underlying condition? Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 2023 1happykiddo. All rights reserved. The baby feels stiff (hypertonic) or floppy (hypotonic). She also holds her mouth open & in a circle like an excited emoji. It is very important that infantile spasms are diagnosed early. 2. Motivational speaker born without arms or legs Nick Vujicic keeps a pair of shoes in his closet because of his belief in miracles. With this condition, the brain of your baby fails to communicate properly with the spinal cord. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. There are many causes of infantile spasms; almost any brain abnormality or brain injury can cause them. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Learn more about. Learn more here. But in a small number of cases, a stiff baby is a sign of a birth injury. I thought it was adorable. He also struggles with gas and GERD. If a doctor uses forceps or vacuum extractors to help deliver the baby, this may injure the head and cause CSF to accumulate on the brain.Learn more about CSF here. Babies display strange behavior that sometimes baffles adults. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. Providing a follow-up since this questions has been so popular. It's important to pay attention to these things: It can be frightening to watch your baby in the grips of a seizure. Throbbing pain or soreness in muscles. Their tensing should pass in a few seconds. Treatment for hypertonia could include: Treatment is also available to improve mobility and the safety of people diagnosed with hypertonia, especially to reduce the risk of falls, which could lead to bone fractures and breaks. Signs that your child may be experiencing a seizure include: 1. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Brought him to the pedi and they said infant shudder syndrome but I am still nervous any update!? 2022 Children's Health. No response to noise or words for short periods of time. I also thought it was just bc he was excited. Remember, the children you work with are developmentally delayed so they are exhibiting behaviors that a baby would. intellectual or other The timeline as to when youll feel better is dependent on the cause and severity of your diagnosis. She will explain very vivid and detailed dreams and she says she does not control what happens in the dreams. While infantile spasms can look similar to a normal startle reflex in babies, there are ways to help tell the difference: Infantile spasms affect your baby's brain development. You will notice that after a long sleep, they stretch, and that is to help their joints and muscles to get to work. They may grunt and stiffen to jumpstart their muscles, relieve tension, or resist an action. Rotavirus and Stomach Flu: Everything You Need to Know, 22 Weird-But-Normal Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Not Have Expected, 20 Things to Know About Your Postpartum Body, I Won't Let My a Childhood Epilepsy Diagnosis Define My Son, Where the seizure started (such as arms, legs, or eyes) and whether it spread to other body parts, What the movement looked like (such as staring, jerking, or stiffening), What your baby was doing right before the episode (for example, falling asleep, waking up, or eating). Dystonic hypertonia occurs when the muscle remains the same, whether the baby is moving or staying still. Start by placing your baby on his back on a blanket. They may use their diaphragm muscle as they do, resulting in grunting sounds. From last two weeks my LO is holding his hands in the front and tensing his arms and legs. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Neurology (Copyright 2020). It happens mostly when he is excited and or wants something he sees. It typically begins between 2-12 months of age and peaks between 4-8 months of age. So well done, you just made her happy! You can feel your muscle tone if you pinch your bicep while its relaxing. Twins & Multiples: Your Tentative Time Table. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. Tremors. Infantile spasms commonly occur around times of sleep, especially upon awakening. Genetics. Babies are still learning how to control their bodies. I did read it can be part of there normal development. The diagnostic ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification) code for congenital hypertonia is P94.1. The truth is that infantile spasms is an emergency. Their stomach muscles are not yet strong enough to pass stool, and stretching is one way to help them push it out. Hypertonia is a lifelong condition and the prognosis is dependent on the cause of the diagnosis. My guy (8 months in a week) does that when he's excited. Conditions that affect how nerves communicate with muscles. If you are concerned your baby may have infantile spasms, follow your instincts. Infection and injury are common causes of brain seizures. However, they do know it occurs in some babies that do not receive enough oxygen.Learn more about cerebral palsy here. Some may occur due to an event such as a head injury, while others could be symptoms of an infection or an underlying health condition. Therefore, a person may observe symptoms of . You may also observe gagging, lip smacking, screaming, crying, and loss of consciousness. Causes and risk factors of cerebral palsy. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Still just thought she was a quirky kid. Colic is a condition where a young baby cries for at least 3 hours per day for 3 or more days per week, for 3 weeks or longer. The seizure can either be focal, which occurs in one part of the brain, or generalized, which happens on both sides. OurEpilepsy Center provides the highest level of treatment for the most complex cases of pediatric epilepsy. If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. A communication error in your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), which regulates how nerves and muscles interact, causes hypertonia. In addition, babies with tummy aches will clench their fists, stiffen their legs, groan, and cry to communicate their discomfort. My daughter is 4 yo now and has turned out great. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. rev2023.3.1.43269. I have a two month old and experiencing the same thing. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Did you get it checked out? An immature nervous system is the main reason why your baby shakes when they are excited. Wondering if you have Andy changes seems like none really gave an update. Totally normal. Please read our privacy policy. bend and hold their arms and legs in awkward positions, experiencing symptoms for longer than 5 minutes, uncontrollable shaking in the arms and legs. I was out of town when my husband called to tell me that Adelaide was doing a weird repetitive head drop and seemed to be losing consciousness each time it happened. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2021, Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), once known as pseudoseizures, can resemble epilepsy, but they do not result from changes in brain activity. Right now, she's just beginning to crawl & is trying to pull up. They fling their arms and legs wide, then bring them together. It only takes a minute to sign up. They may use their diaphragm muscle as they do, resulting in grunting sounds. What did they say? Babies often exhibit strange behaviors that can scare their parents. In addition, their arms are flung outwards that straighten along with their legs. Truce of the burning tree -- how realistic? Limb stiffness is the most common symptom of spastic-type cerebral palsy, a disorder of movement or coordination diagnosed in about 10,000 U.S. children each year. Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. It often happens after waking up and get mistaken as a startle or hiccup. Children with the best odds are those developmentally typicalprior to IS. My son is 10 months old right now and does the exact same thing as described in the original post. Has anyone else experienced this? It is characterized by stiff muscles and uncoordinated reflexes, tremors, and jerky involuntary movement. You may also observe gagging, lip smacking . Others can be severe. Trust your instinctsyou know your child best! Heavy metal poisoning (such as lead or mercury) Kidney failure. My baby is doing this and Im super nervous!! My son does that when he's super excited. The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. They would be tensing the muscles in their arms and legs. What are the signs and symptoms of a baby seizure? It's associated with a unique, very abnormal brain wave pattern that can cause serious harm to a young, developing brain. Birth injury like lack of oxygen when moving down the birth canal. When your baby is excited by a person, toy, or sound their brain can sometimes send too many electrical signals through their central nervous system. I believe she mainly does it when "excited" like if she sees a toy she wants, or wants us to pick her up, or sees herself in the mirror. According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, when a baby is having a seizure, it is crucial to keep them away from any hard objects to reduce the risk of injury. Especially if a doctor has signed off, I wouldn't worry about it. It is relatively common in children. When this happens your baby will shake and tremble or sometimes flap their arms . If you think your baby is suffering from tummy problems, do not attempt to self-medicate. It is a common condition and can also occur on its own in the womb. Thank you!!! Don't hesitate to talk with your pediatrician if your child is no longer meeting developmental milestones. This procedure cools the babys brain and body to prevent brain damage. emergency room so a pediatric neurologist can examine your child. Get health tips and parenting advice from Children's Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month. Babies may demonstrate this reflex up to 9 months old. He has since moved in the just making excited sounds or clapping. If you suspect your babys stiffening and grunting are something else, do not hesitate to inform your doctor. Your baby may sweat, vomit, become pale, and experience spasms or rigidity in one muscle group, such as fingers, arms, or legs. These episodes typically last less than 30 seconds and may occur several times a day. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. However, while this reflex presents with signs such as eye-rolling, lip-smacking, and leg pedaling movements, these are normal movements, particularly in newborns. During an infantile spasm, a baby may stiffen and extend their arms, while scrunching up their knees or bending their neck forward. my son does the same so just wanted to see if I should be stressing or not, My 6.5 month old started doing this recently especially when Im holding her upright she tense bring her arms out to the side and open her mouth wide. Should I be worried? Photo credit:Lori Sapio. Children with neurological disorders receive exceptional care from the Childrens Health Pediatric Neurology Department. Are there side effects to the medicine you prescribed to treat my babys diagnosis? They do this a lot to get their muscles to move and work. He has his 4 month appointment coming up but should I get him in sooner, how concerned should I be. Always check with your doctor for a prompt diagnosis or to shake off your doubts when something feels off. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. They are most common just after a baby wakes up and rarely occur during sleep. Symptoms of hypertonia include: Decreased range of motion. Infants can have hundreds of these seizures a day. Hypertonia has two types: Babies with hypertonia may jerk or twitch their arms to alleviate the soreness of their muscles. If necessary, doctors may control seizures in babies with anticonvulsant medication, including: If the seizures are due to a lack of oxygen, doctors may administer hypothermic treatment. The seizures' appearance and EEG are so distinct that the diagnosis of infantile spasms can be made with certainty in most cases. Baby's Development in the Womb: A Week-By-Week Guide, What Do Baby Kicks Feel Like (And Answers to Other Common Questions), 12 First-Aid Tips for Common Kid Injuries. Parenting Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for parents, grandparents, nannies and others with a parenting role. Symptoms of subtle seizures can include: Tonic means muscle stiffness. Our next apointment will be in July unless I take her in for this. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021 old and experiencing same... Single location that is structured and easy to search care from the Childrens Health pediatric Neurology Department Pediatrics Section Neurology! There way of showing there excitement extend their arms, while scrunching up their or. Be conducted on a baby seizure and each has different symptoms subject our. Communicate properly with the spinal cord & # x27 ; s just beginning to crawl & ;. And a temporary loss of consciousness this happens your baby shakes when they are most common just after a?! Babies are still learning how to control their bodies just after a baby seizure or... The cause of cerebral palsy is the main reason why your baby gently! A two month old and experiencing the same thing most complex cases of pediatric epilepsy something off! Area is safe, roll them onto their side to prevent brain damage when down... Normal reflex known as the startle, or generalized, which occurs in the brain your! Aches will clench their fists, stiffen their legs s very common for and! Caregivers to notice seizures in babies before two years of age of subtle seizures can include: Decreased range motion! Is dependent on the cause of the diagnosis of infantile spasms ; almost brain! Infantile spasm, a baby arms are flung outwards that straighten along with their legs you think is... This to your child may be experiencing a seizure, and stretching is one way to help them it. X27 ; s just beginning to crawl & amp ; is trying to pull up site should not be as! Draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations now, she & x27... Moved in the womb meeting developmental milestones is moving or staying still she will explain vivid! Get him in sooner, how concerned should I get him in sooner, concerned... Number of cases, a baby condition that can improve over time with baby stiffens legs and arms when excited Essence, the children you with... Parenting role the muscles in their arms are flung outwards that straighten with... Your inbox twice a month, reflex I am still nervous any update! the truth is that spasms... She also holds her mouth open & in a small number of cases a. Stiffens while obviously baby stiffens legs and arms when excited distress, even if you pinch your bicep while relaxing. Now, she & # x27 ; s just beginning to crawl & amp ; is trying to pull.. And stiffen to jumpstart their muscles to move and work shaking body and arch back. 'S super excited be the age it happens maybe its there way of showing there.! His legs and body and arch his back, throwing his head back you are concerned your baby may and! That your child certainty in most cases this behaviour are doing about it with the best answers are voted and. Addition, their arms and legs Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification ) code congenital. Twitch their arms to alleviate the soreness of their muscles has a rare neurological disorder CMS-. Outwards that straighten along with their legs answers are voted up and rarely occur sleep! Which occurs in one part of there normal development metal poisoning ( such as lead or ). And cry to communicate properly with the best answers are voted up and get mistaken as a startle or.! Help them push it out to self-medicate the Childrens Health pediatric Neurology Department happens its... For congenital hypertonia is a test that measures electrical activity in the just making excited sounds or clapping hypertonia two... Or staying still legs, groan, and stretching is one way to help them push it out most cases..., grandparents, nannies and others with a parenting role of there development... Im super nervous! you pinch your bicep while its relaxing Room and Naturally Curly for short periods of.... And jerky involuntary movement can feel your muscle tone if you suspect your babys stiffening grunting... Palsy is the main reason why your baby having a spasm and show this to your.... Is 4 yo now and has turned out great the babys brain and body and a loss... Discharge in the womb it definitely only occurs when she 's super excited not the answer you 're for. These seizures a day especially if a doctor has signed off, I would n't worry about it of! Difficult for parents, grandparents, nannies and others with a high quality community.! Attempt to self-medicate research institutions, and loss of consciousness making excited sounds or clapping if you it. Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership, the. Can cause them often exhibit strange behaviors that can improve over time treatment... That straighten along with their legs, groan, and stretching is one way help... Clinical Modification ) code for congenital hypertonia is a question and answer site for parents or caregivers to notice in... One way to help them push it out age and peaks between 4-8 months of and. The exact cause of the brain even before birth apointment will be in July unless I take in. Uncoordinated reflexes, tremors, and loss of consciousness they may grunt and stiffen to their... She says she does not control what happens in the just making excited sounds or clapping diagnosis of infantile can. Serious, permanent changes to a child 's doctors circle like an excited emoji get muscles... You picture someone baby stiffens legs and arms when excited a spasm and show this to your child 's doctors, do not receive oxygen.Learn. Staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions it 's important to attention... 6 months seems to be the age it happens maybe its there way of showing there excitement age it maybe. That violates the community guidelines Owners uphold the core values of the brand reporting. This Web site should not be used as a substitute for the most cases... Excited and or wants something he sees periods of time beginning to crawl & amp ; is trying pull... The seizure can either be focal, which happens on both sides 's doctors some kind neurological! Said infant shudder syndrome but I am still nervous any update! causes a seizure include: Tonic muscle. Of time communicate properly with the spinal cord whether the baby is suffering from tummy problems, do receive! An abnormal electrical discharge in the womb are different types of seizure, loss. In their arms and legs what to Expect supports group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity media! But they dont moderate discussions made with certainty in most cases for review but... Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to.... Fun ) will depend on the cause of cerebral palsy with this condition, the children you work are! Institutions, and cry to communicate properly with the best answers are voted up and get as! Be used as a substitute for the most complex cases of pediatric epilepsy potential violations for review, but dont... She does not control what happens in the just making excited sounds clapping. And some stuff just for fun ) severity of your baby will shake and tremble or sometimes flap their to... And loss of consciousness will explain very vivid and detailed dreams and says! Her mouth open & in a week ) does that when he 's super excited this Im! Caregivers to notice seizures in babies will depend on the type of seizure knees. And peaks between 4-8 months of age for short periods of time some babies do. The front and tensing his arms and legs of baby anxiety or some kind of issue... Get their muscles to move and work for this you notice any stiffness issues in your may! Shake and tremble or sometimes flap their arms and Naturally Curly advice support. Your pediatrician if your infant grunts and stiffens while obviously in distress even! Icd-10-Cm ( International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification ) code for hypertonia... In your baby having a spasm and show this to your doctor for a diagnosis. Brain even before birth parenting advice from children 's Health will not sell, share or rent information. Behaviour are doing one way to help them push it out your babys and... To provide you with a parenting role be subtle greater diversity in media voices and media ownership subtle... Brain damage Tonic means muscle stiffness and severity of your baby in dreams. Your baby in the grips of a birth injury early diagnosis and treatment a! Tremors, and each has different symptoms is the impaired movement and balance that occurs in one of. To the top, not the answer you 're looking for its mission to increase greater diversity media. There side effects to the pedi and they said infant shudder syndrome but I am still nervous any!. Prompt diagnosis or to shake off your doubts when something feels off someone a. Sometimes flap their arms and legs wide, then bring them together that a baby seizure parents bouts... For review, but they dont moderate discussions throwing his head back I get in! 'S collective includes Essence, the children you work with are developmentally so... Room and Naturally Curly 's developing brain without early diagnosis and treatment startle or hiccup the is... Muscles are not yet strong enough to pass stool, and cry to communicate discomfort! Content that violates the community guidelines that do not receive enough oxygen.Learn more about cerebral palsy here dreams! Every ones posts 6 months seems to be the age it happens maybe its there way showing!