Breath holding spell

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• Previous episode of breath holding
• Exhalation followed by cessation of breathing (apnea)
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin caused by lack of oxygen)
• Short seizure-like movement (1 to 2 jerks)
• Momentary unconsciousness 

A history and routine physical examination may be done to rule out a physical cause of the breath holding. Because of a known association with iron deficiency, a blood test may be done. On occasion an EEG may be done, especially if it is difficult to differentiate the seizure-like movements of breath hold from an actual seizure.

Review Date: 12/01/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.