She was "diagnosed" as having infant shuddering syndrome, (because the ped. nerologist didn't know what else to call it) at 4 months. She shuddered frequently like she had the chills. There was no follow up because it tapered off as she became older, but another symptom didn't. When she's tired, she knods her head "no" from side to side repetedely. When she's in her crib either trying to fall asleep, or in the middle of sleep, while lying on her tummy, she'll lift the whole upper half of her body, and slam both sides of her head over and over into the mattress. It can be between 25 and maybe 500 times a night! Some nights she'll only do it once or twice, maybe ten times each. Other nights she keeps us up all night because we can hear it through the monitor. She does this HARD! So hard in fact, one of our baby sitters thought someone was knocking on the front door. Her ped. says it's a soothing mechanism for some kids, but it seems more to me. I can't seem to get any answers.
2007-03-18 18:35:30 · 8 answers · asked by SwtPea01 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
She is completely normal otherwise and very smart for her age. She was 2 in January and can talk as well as my 4 year old. She doesn't sleep much though and is very alert and awake. They did an EEG when she was 4 months to rule it out as being seizures. The test came back completely normal. The ped. neurologist was baffled and when he looked up her symptoms came up with the I.S.S.. There is little known about it and no treatment to speak of.
2007-03-18 18:41:48 · update #1
This is a soothing mechanism that disappears in most children. It also sounds like your daughter's 'soothing mechanism' is very intense. It is considered typical until around the age of 3. If your daughter is a young 2, sit tight and see if it goes away by itself. I've heard of parents trying to use real tight blankets wrapped and swaddled around the child at night and also wrapping her up and keeping her tight and close to you during the day to satisfy some of that sensory input. Here are some websites that may help a bit. Hang in there!
2007-03-18 20:36:05 · answer #1 · answered by prekinpdx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first thought was seizures when I read it but they did an EEG. Have her evaluated for Autism, her advanced speech and mannerisms sound a lot like Asperger's Syndrome. Some things to write down for the doctor: is her speech too perfect? Is her grammar and elocution/pronunciation perfect? Does she seem to use the same adult phrases frequently (even if they are appropriate)? Does she think about answers to questions or does she always seem prepared with the answer? Does she ever experiment with language, make up songs, try something out and be incorrect but close? Can she recite perfectly nearly everything she has ever heard? These things are signs that she may be memorizing language but not necessarily "feeling" and learning it the way you and I would. Also take note of any obssessive or compulsive behaviors or any interesting food fetishes. Your doctor will give her a screening and then follow up in a few months. I hope this helps. Try the link below for more information.
www.autismspeaks.org
The head banging thins is a fairly common thing in little ones. My almost 2-yr-old does it when he is tired sometimes.
2007-03-19 01:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a two year old and he occasionally soothes the same way. I'd be a little freaked out too if he did it 500 times! My son will sometimes wake in the middle of the night and do this, it might last for a minute or two and then he goes back to sleep. He's quite normal and has no medical problems. Developing fine. If you're concerned and the doc doesn't seem to be, get a second opinion. As a mother, you always have to trust your gut feeling. If you feel she's having problems, I'd totally pursue it.
Good luck!
2007-03-19 02:15:04 · answer #3 · answered by oracleofohio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello...I would pursue more tests to rule out seizures. EEGs do not always show every seizure...especially the typical 30 minute EEG. Ask to have a 24 hr. video EEG.
2007-03-20 18:00:10 · answer #4 · answered by laineyette 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a form of night terrors. My daughter used to sit up and scream like she was awake and kick the wall. I moved her bed away from the wall, and she was safe. The Dr said she'd grow out of them, and if they persisted past 4, then they would persue meds. Thankfully, she outgrew them. So it could be just that. But if your mom's intuition is telling you otherwise then get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion. Be persistant, b/c this is your child.
2007-03-19 01:50:19 · answer #5 · answered by jetaunbraese 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, I use to (rock myself back and forth) sitting up and laying down. It was a soothing mechanism for me to fall asleep; as if someone was rocking me to sleep. I never knew any diagnosis for it or the reason why I use to do it. but as I got older, I just grew out of it.
2007-03-19 22:16:29 · answer #6 · answered by shybutnaughty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh honey take her to a specailist and have a cat scan done maybe she's having seizures i agree that's not normal not at all and a mother always knows when something isn't right with there babies maybe try to get a second diagnose
2007-03-19 01:44:06 · answer #7 · answered by wouldnt u l 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look I didn't even finish reading this whole story u wrote. GO SEE A SPECIALIST ASAP............... Screw the Pedi!!!!!!!!!! (Not litterally)
2007-03-19 01:43:12 · answer #8 · answered by papabeartex 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋