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.
Jan
Mohammed M S
MM
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mmsjan@yahoo.ca
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