$Unique_ID{BRK00858}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Causes "Shuddering Attacks"?}
$Subject{shuddering attack attacks child care ill defined symptom symptoms
Nervous nerve nerves electroencephalograph videotape monitoring epilepsy
nonepileptic head arms arm posturing}
$Volume{N-2,S-2}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes "Shuddering Attacks"?


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QUESTION:  My 8-year-old son has occasional episodes of shivering that are
frightening.  His head and arms tremble out of control for no apparent reason.
I have taken him to several doctors and epilepsy has been ruled out.  The
doctors say what my son has been having are "shuddering attacks" and they say
they aren't dangerous.  What do you think?

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ANSWER:  It sounds like the doctors have made a good diagnosis.  Shuddering or
shivering episodes are common in children, and many young people pass through
this experience at one time or another to some degree.  You can be reassured,
this disorder appears to be benign and nonthreatening.  These bouts usually
involve rapid shuddering tremors, primarily of the head and arms, so that your
son's case appears typical.  These attacks are different from common shivering
because they last longer and occur more often.
     Testing done with an electroencephalograph and videotape monitoring can
confirm that the incidents are nonepileptic in nature.  They are actually
associated with abnormal posturing of the arms.
     Parents of children with shuddering attacks may also have a history of
similar episodes.  There is no treatment for this disorder.  Since the attacks
apparently do not cause any real damage, medications are not indicated.  It
would seem that you have little to fear here, and that time will put
everything in order.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.