My 12 Month Old Twitches

Updated on April 05, 2008
E.A. asks from Dover, NH
13 answers

My 12 month old in the last couple weeks started to twitch his head from side to side. He does it at least 10-15 times a day and it seems involuntary. It looks like a tick of someone who has Parkinson's. Now when he is sleeping, his arm will start twitching. Has anyone had this with any of their children? I'm just not sure what to do.

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So What Happened?

I called my son's doctor and he already has a neurologist because of other issues. He just had an EEG, so they are going to look at that. His pedi seems to think that it is some type of seizure and he said it would be an easier diagnosis because my daughter has a seizure disorder

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K.B.

answers from Providence on

Bring Kayleb to the doctors, I would be soo nervous, like you---Don't stop til you get results! Good Luck (I have never heard of those symptoms.)

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P.H.

answers from Boston on

HI,
You should get your child to the doctor and have this checked out. My son at 4 days old had the twitches...it ended up being very serious. DO not wait. Best to get it treated right away. My son had surgery at 5 weeks old and diagnosed with hydrocephelous. Even if your child ends up being nothing its best to have it checked. Please do not wait.
P. Hatstat

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W.D.

answers from Boston on

I would look into it more.. call your ped and discuss it.. Tourettes causing tics and a few other conditions do too. do it now so you can control it faster. good luck

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J.O.

answers from Boston on

he could be having seizures and needs to see a neurologist. ask your pediatrician for a referral. I would videotape the episodes on multiple occasions and then bring the videotape for the neurologist to review.

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A.F.

answers from Boston on

Hello E.,
Of course this needs a doctors analysis, however I know from experience that it cannot always be completely explained. Our daughter showed similar symptoms at 7-8 months, although much less frequently (she only had 3-4 events). We took her immediatley to the doctor and they did a complete assessment which included an EEG (electroencephalogram) to rule out seizures. The results were normal and this was really reassuring.

However, the real cause of these shaking events was never identified and was explained as "relatively normal nervous system development", not seizures or tremmors. Needless to say, we have kept a close eye on her (she is now 16 months old) and, luckily, we have not seen symptoms since.

It may not be anything, but worth the peace of mind to have a full analysis. We did have to push our doctor just a little on this issue. We heard "lets just keep on an eye on it" a couple of times before pushing for the EEG.

Good luck!

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K.G.

answers from Hartford on

A friend of mine has a nephew with a mild case of Tourette syndrome. He had similar symptoms. He took medication when he was around 12 but is in college now and controls it himself.

About Tourette syndrome:
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a nervous system disorder which causes a person to make repeated and involutary movements and sounds (vocalizations) called tics. The disorder is commonly called Tourette syndrome.

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M.B.

answers from New London on

Hi E.,
I am not sure what is causing the twitches that you are seeing. It would be a good idea to call your pediatrician and let her/him know. Then your son can be evaluated further. Another thing you can do is videotape what is happening and bring that with you to the office.(maybe borrow a videocamera or use the video on a digital camera) Many times when you see something at home, you don't see it in the short time that you are in the office. But, I would call today for an appointment. I think it's important that he be evaluated soon. It would be nice to hear back from you to know what they find out. All the best to you and your children! Hope this helps!

D.B.

answers from Boston on

There are many types of conditions which can cause this - I would contact your pediatrician and look into a neurological evaluation. He's too little to explain what's going on so a work-up may be in order. Try filming it with a videocamera if you don't think he will twitch during a doctor's visit.

If you want to try natural treatments, look into Reliv products. Patented nutrition with special products for kids and other formulas for adults. The science and research behind them is second to none, and the company has been highly rated by so many sources: Forbes, Fortune, Success magazine, DeMarche, Direct Selling Association, and more. The products are balanced, bioavailable (fully absorbed within 20 minutes) and heavily tested/protected. They can be used with any medical treatment because they are FOOD, not drugs. However, a lot of people - tens of thousands around the world - have had results that reduce or eliminate the need for medication by giving the body the fuel it needs to heal itself. Let me know if you want more info and I can connect you to parent meetings, conference calls, testimonials, and background information.

Good luck!

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S.R.

answers from Hartford on

I would recommend that you report this to your pediatrician right away. I would assume that he or she will refer you to a neurologist for diagnosis and follow up. Medical problems are always less frightening and controlled better when treated promptly.

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B.M.

answers from Providence on

My first son started that about the same age. It lasted about six months and stopped. His pediatrician at the time said it was common and shows in children at that point. My husband and I were nervous and kept monitoring the situation to watch for any additional symptoms that would point us in another diagnosis direction. Nothing else ever happened. It was noticeable to others and some did inquire, just so you know.

I hope your 12 month old's case is just like mine; eventually gone :)

We had two other children, girl and boy, after my first and no symtoms with either of them (although my third is only 8 months).

Good luck!

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K.V.

answers from Boston on

Did this start shortly after a vaccination? Check the possibility out with a google search.

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G.D.

answers from New London on

My son has twitches as well. Let me tell you it can be pretty annoying as he's 10 now. But knowing what its from and that he has NO control over it, helps us deal with it. He started by punching the air at about 2 yrs. We thought it was growing pains. Then it went to blinking. It wasn't until the teacher spotted him rotating his wrists, like they are in pain from writing too much, that we knew what it was. (Ticks) We took him to a few people before we found one we were comfortable with and didn't think they were out of thier mind! Your maternal instinct knows best! The ticks are part of Turrets (sp?)and with ADHD all sorts of mental health issues can follow. An organic lifestyle can litterally remove all these symptoms for most people. Due to the fact that you 12 m old isn't really being exposed to too many toxins yet, I would talk to your DR about it. It could be something they missed or maybe it could be as little as growing pains.

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