Breathing holding spells Flashcards
(6 cards)
What are breath holding attacks?
They’re involuntary episodes during which a child holds their breath, usually triggered by something upsetting or scaring. The child has no control over the breath holding spells and they are not harmful in the long term.
At what age do breath holding attacks occur?
Between 6 and 18 months of age.
How are breath holding attacks divided?
They are divided into cyanotic breath holding spells and pallid breath holding spells (also known as reflex anoxic seizures).
When do cyanotic breath holding spells occur?
When the child is really upset, worked up, and crying. After letting out a long cry, they stop breathing, become cyanotic, and lose consciousness. Within a minute, they regain consciousness and start breathing.
What are reflex anoxic seizures/pallid breathing holding spells?
They occur when the child is startled. The vagus nerve sends strong signals to the heart that cause it to stop beating. The child will suddenly go pale, lose consciousness, and may start to have some seizure-like muscle twitching. Within 30 seconds, the heart restarts and the child becomes conscious again
What is the management for breath holding spells?
Exclude other pathology, educate and reassure parents. Breath holding spells have been linked with iron deficiency anaemia, so treating the child if their iron deficiency anaemic can help to minimise further episodes.
