The difference between baby convulsions and shaking

Whether the baby is healthy or not is a topic of concern to young parents. Young babies cannot speak yet, and if they have uncomfortable symptoms, they cannot express them in words. This requires young parents to make judgments based on the symptoms shown by their children. Many young parents ask what is the difference between baby convulsions and shaking, and how to judge whether the child is shaking or convulsing? The best introduction for young parents is that the following article specifically talks about the difference between baby convulsions and shaking!

There is a big difference between neonatal tremors and convulsions

1. Characteristics of newborn shaking

Symptoms of neonatal tremors usually appear within 1 month after the baby is born. The location of the tremors is not fixed, and the upper arms, lower limbs and mandible are the most common. It usually does not occur in the corners of the mouth and eyelids. It is obvious when crying, with a high frequency and small amplitude. Usually the baby's eyes will not be abnormal. If you gently press or hold the attack site with your hand, the tremors can be stopped. Neurological examination and EEG are normal.

2. Characteristics of neonatal seizures

The symptoms of neonatal convulsions are usually twitching of the baby's limbs and staring eyes. The limb twitching is relatively large in amplitude, low in frequency, and regular. Pressing the site of seizure cannot stop the twitching.

Neonatal convulsions should be promptly treated by a doctor

If the baby's eyes stare, tremble, or blink constantly, his mouth makes repeated chewing and sucking movements, his breathing is irregular and accompanied by cyanosis of the skin, twitching of facial muscles, or sudden changes in muscle tone, such as persistent rigidity of the limbs, or repeated rapid twitching of a limb or part of the body, and paroxysmal spasms, these are manifestations of neonatal convulsions, and abnormal neurological examinations and EEG can be seen. Of course, if parents are not sure, they can record the baby's behavior and ask the neonatologist and neurologist to make a diagnosis.

Occasional shaking and startling of newborns is nothing to worry about

In fact, due to the incomplete development of the neonatal nervous system and the immature development of the cerebral cortex, the central nervous cells are highly excitable and easily excited by stimulation. Occasional neonatal tremors and sleep myoclonus are usually normal phenomena. Most babies will experience the above phenomena when they are in a light sleep state. The symptoms will be alleviated 2 months after birth and disappear within 6 months. The long-term prognosis is good and no treatment is required.

Some pathological conditions such as calcium deficiency, hypoglycemia, and mild hypoxic brain damage can also cause an increase in tremors and benign spasms. If tremors and startles occur too frequently, you should see a doctor.