breath holding syndrome??

[westcoastmummy]

Does anyone have a child with this odd disorder? My 17mo son had what seemed to be a concussion a couple of days ago after a fall at daycare, when he was knocked out after screaming when he hit his head, but the pediatrician thinks he lost consciousness because of holding his breath. Any advice/resources? Sounds scary, but a lot better than a head injury!

[springmum]

My DS has done this several times. after the first "pass out" I learned quickly how to recognize it and "snap" him out of it - usually a little poke in the ribs, I've heard blowing in the face works too.
Our PEd wasn't concerned either, said it's fairly common, although frightening (she said some kids have done it in the car while the parent was driving...that would be scary!)

anything can trigger it - a big "boo boo", or something else very upsetting that causes that really intense cry.....then hold breath.....then still holding breath....then still holding breath......


He's just over 20 months now, and hasn't passed out or come close in a while now - he seems to remember to breath when he's really upset now.

I don't have any links to anything... sorry

Glad to hear you little guy is better

[russsk]

My husband did this as a toddler. My MIL always destined it as "he would forget how to breathe" and I had no idea what she was talking about until DS started doing it. He's never passed out, but if he takes a fall or otherwise gets hurt, there is a very long, very scary moment of silence before he finally takes a breath (and starts screaming).

[lifeguard]

Ds does it - sometimes when he hurts himself & sometimes just when he gets really upset about something. It is scary - for him too - I can see that as his eyes get bigger & bigger & struggles to breathe again.

I just talk really calmly to him & reassure him & tell him gently to breathe. Fortunately he has never lost consciousness from it but man it will be nice when he outgrows it.

[Newbie Mom]

nephew had this

Hi,

My nephew who is now 20 had this problem. It started when he was around 1 yr. I think and it continued on until he was nearly 3 years. He would hold his breath when he got upset or hurt, turn purple and pass out.

My sister-in-law feared it might have been a bad reaction to being vaccinated but who knows whether that was the case.

To wake him back up after he passed out they either had to slap him in the face or pour cold water on his face. They always made sure that someone was with him at all times just in case he hurt himself.