Last Updated on January 13, 2025

What is Infant Shudder Syndrome?

Infant shuddering syndrome, also known as shuddering attacks or shuddering spells, is a benign condition (meaning unlikely to be harmful) that typically affects babies and young children. It's characterized by brief episodes of rapid shaking or shivering-like movements, usually of the head, shoulders, and sometimes the whole body. These episodes generally last only a few seconds and often occur in clusters throughout the day.

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While the incidence of infant shudder syndrome is fairly low, misdiagnosis is fairly common. Naturally, misdiagnosis of this condition can lead to unnecessary treatments and interventions. A misdiagnosed child, for example, can be prescribed anticonvulsant medications (for epilepsy) which can have serious side effects.

For families with children who were harmed due to misdiagnosis, they can be legally compensated through a medical malpractice claim. Misdiagnosis can cascade into further medical malpractices, such as ordering unnecessary tests, prescribing potentially harmful medications, or failing to treat actual underlying conditions.

Understanding Infant Shudder Syndrome

What Causes Infant Shudder Syndrome?

The exact cause of infant shudder syndrome remains unknown, but it's believed to be related to the developing nervous system. Some theories suggest it might be a benign movement disorder or a form of behavioral self-stimulation.

Infant shudder syndrome typically presents itself between the ages of 8 to 24 months. The onset is usually gradual, with episodes becoming more noticeable over time. Parents often first observe these shuddering spells during times of excitement, while the baby is eating, or during moments of anticipation.

How Long Does Infant Shudder Syndrome Last?

Shuddering episodes in infant shudder syndrome are typically very brief, lasting only a few seconds and rarely exceeding 15 seconds – though in some cases may occur in clusters of longer intervals. These episodes may occur multiple times a day or every few days; even up to hundreds in some cases.

Most children outgrow infant shudder syndrome by 3 to 7 years of age. Occasionally, episodes may persist into early childhood, but this is less common. The frequency and intensity of episodes often fluctuate over time, generally showing a gradual decrease as the child grows older until they stop completely.

Complications That May Arise

As said earlier, infant shuddering syndrome is a generally benign condition. As such, it presents no direct medical complications. Still, families with affected children may still experience anxiety and stress from:

With proper education and support, most families navigate this condition without significant long-term issues. Healthcare providers must properly provide sufficient counseling for parents of children with shuddering attacks.

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Medical Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Shuddering

Several medical conditions can be mistaken for shuddering attacks due to similarities in presentation. Given these possibilities, it's crucial for healthcare providers to conduct thorough examinations to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Some of these conditions include:

Epileptic seizuresParticularly absence seizures or myoclonic seizures.

Infantile spasmsA type of seizure that causes sudden stiffening and bending.

Tic disordersThese can involve sudden movements, such as Tourette’s Syndrome.

StereotypiesRepetitive, purposeless movements common in some neurodevelopmental disorders.

TremorsVarious types of tremors can be confused with shuddering.

Sandifer syndromeA rare disorder causing spasmodic torticollis and dystonic body movements.

DyskinesiasInvoluntary muscle movements, sometimes medication-induced.

Vestibular disorders Can cause brief episodes of dizziness or imbalance.

Misdiagnosing shuddering attacks as other conditions can lead to unnecessary medications that may cause further developmental delays or adverse side effects. 

For parents, video recordings of a child’s spastic episodes could help medical professionals better identify the condition from which your child is suffering. However, for a more accurate diagnosis, doctors would typically opt for an EEG exam

Reducing Shudders in Infants

Neurological exams of children with shuddering attacks indicate that they are normal. While there could be some mild developmental delays, most developmental parameters of affected children are generally normal as well.

That being said, parents shouldn’t stress about the overall health of their affected kid. Instead, they should look to simply reduce instances of shuddering – ultimately promoting comfort for their kid. Here are some measures parents can take:

  1. Cultivate a calm environment
  2. Provide proper nutrition
  3. Identify and work around the child’s triggers
  4. Maintain a good sleep and eating routine
  5. Touch and reassurance (during longer or more intense episodes)
  6. Going to regular medical check-ups

Of course, we still recommend that you reach out to a trusted medical provider for a holistic workaround. 

Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.

Written By
Michael S. Porter
Personal Injury Attorney
Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
Legally Reviewed on August 15, 2024
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Eric C. Nordby on August 15, 2024. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
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