Shuddering attack – What?

When M was approaching one year old, she started to go through shuddering attacks, alike to shivering or mild seizures. She would clench her hands and jaws and each occurrence lasted seconds. It scared us badly. Initially, we thought it happened only when she was agitated. But we soon realised it happened randomly, like during play or meal times, and it seemed she had no control over it.

Interestingly, it affected us more than her. She would just continue where she left off (before the attack) like nothing happened while I would rush to hold and comfort her. We learned later that we should not respond to her as it could encourage her to do it deliberately just to get our attention.

Anyway, we decided to seek medical advice. M’s paediatrician referred us to a neurologist. Thankfully, it seems M’s behaviour does not constitute epilepsy, our worst fear. We also learned the term ‘shuddering attack’. Apparently, this condition does happen to some young children and it usually subsides on its own around two years of age. We also watched videos clips of some children caught on tape. It was exactly what M does and watching those clips made me feel more comforted that we were not alone.

Since there was no medication or follow-up action required, we left the clinic crossing our fingers that M would stop shuddering in time to come. She did continue to do it for a couple more months but the frequency dropped and before we knew it, she stopped completely.

But this episode left its permanent mark on me. Even until now, every time M shakes when she exerts strength, I would automatically sit up and pay attention.