Shuddering attacks are not related to essential tremor.
Shuddering attacks are benign shivering movements occurring in young children. The etiology is unknown; however, a relationship to essential tremor has been postulated. A series of 12 consecutive children were identified over a 6-year period ending January 1, 2007. Shuddering attacks were diagnosed based on descriptive history and videotape review. Their referral diagnosis was epilepsy in 7 (58%) and movement disorder in 5 (42%). The referring physician never suspected the diagnosis. The age of onset ranged from 8 months to 2 years (mean 13 months). Family history was negative for essential tremor. None had epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography (EEG). All children were followed for 2 to 8 years (mean 6.3). Complete remission was noted by 3 to 7 years (mean 5.6) of age, and none had subsequent tremor during follow-up. In conclusion, shuddering attacks are frequently misdiagnosed leading to unnecessary investigations or treatment. No association with essential tremor was found neither in the child nor in the family.
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mmsjan@yahoo.ca
Mohammed M S
MM
Jan
D017668:Age of Onset; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis; D020329:Essential Tremor / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005190:Family; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012768:Shivering; D014741:Video Recording