Breath Holding Spell

Aka: Breath Holding Spell, Breath-Holding Spell

advertisement

II. Characteristics

  1. Transient episodes of breath holding
  2. Associated with child becoming limp and unresponsive
  3. Seizure-type activity may occur

III. Type

  1. Cyanotic Breath Holding Spell (most common)
  2. Pallid Breath Holding Spell

IV. Diagnostics

  1. Electroencephalogram (EEG) normal

V. Differential Diagnosis

  1. See Pediatric Spells

VI. Evaluation

  1. Thorough history and examination
  2. Rule-out other Pediatric Spell
  3. Consider checking for Iron Deficiency Anemia
    1. Kolkiran (2005) Acta Paediatr 94:1227-31 [PubMed]

VII. Management

  1. No intervention is necessary
    1. In fact, interventions may reinforce behavior
  2. Position child in safe place (e.g. bed)
  3. Do not hold or play until completely recovers

Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)

These images are a random sampling from a Bing search on the term "Breath Holding Spell." Click on the image (or right click) to open the source website in a new browser window. Search Bing for all related images

Related Studies

Related Topics in Pediatrics

advertisement