muscle spasms in son

[autumn]

My son is 21 months old.  Just recently he started having major spasms in his upper body.  I have only observed them before he goes to sleep, after he has started relaxing.  Before, during this time, he would stare and drift off to sleep with the occasional jerk that we all have experienced in the proccess of going to sleep.  Now there is repeated jerking of the arms and head.  He moves his hands in manner that somewhat resembles wringing of them.  His eyes blink quickly, he seems to vomit and swallow it, and his breathing is strange after these episodes which last a few seconds with a combination of a few of the afore mentionioned responses.  Just recently we were in a car accident, though impact was not enough to set off airbags.  He has not gone to bed very well, but I have not observed any particular movements because he sleeps alone.  Last night he woke up at about 1 was crying and came to our room.  I don't know if this is related.  It sounds like something with his nervous system, but my husbands family has a history of sleep walking.  I can't find anything with these particular symptoms.  Have you heard of any?

[shelly]

My 14 month old son has Sandifer's Syndrome which is abnormal posturing and head (sometimes torso) movements that are caused from gastroesophageul reflux. When you mention the "vomit and then swallowing" it sure sounds like silent reflux which is what my son has. Just thought I'd mention this so you could question your ped about it.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Autumn,

Involuntary movements, such as those you describe, require evaluation by a pediatric neurologist ASAP. Please don't put it off. Dr. KDK