
Body Stiffening, Holding Breath After Crying. Is It Some Major Problem?

Welcome to HCM!
Yes ,this is a well known condition in pediatrics called crying convulsion or severe breath holding attack.
As these kids cry continuously without taking a breath,they get brief hypoxia( low oxygen) and turn blue ,quiet and sometimes go for a fit.
Usually this happens as part of temper tantrums and kids get over this by 4-6 years.
You have to try the following.
This Being a very small kid,
1- when she starts crying,pick her up immediately and console her.
2 try to avoid the situations when these are triggered.( even though practically it is difficult)
3 when this happens ,put a slightly cold cloth over the forehead .
4 Normally , these kids do not have brain injury or epilepsy.
5 Go to a pediatric neurologist in your place and get one comprehensive evaluation.( even though majority are completely normal!)
6.Get her calcium and iron checked up.
7 Try to cut short the situation by holding her in the hands and let there be one caretaker always around to keep a watch on her.
You can get lot of information in the net on this by checking on breath holding spells.
These are scary to see I understand, but usually do not cause residual problems!
Good luck
God bless
Dr Uma

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