Child repetitively opens and closes hands when excited

[Feismom32]

Hi - my daughter has been doing this similar thing since she was a baby.  She mostly does it when she is excited, but also does it when she is anticipating something.  If she is standing, her body stiffens, arms by her sides and hands opening and closes rapidly.  Her head tilts sideways also.  When she was younger her mouth would form the shape of an 'O'.  Now at seven, she hums.  She seems to hold her breath throughout an episode.  When I hold her hand, she stops and will finally breathe.  I've always been told that it would go away, but it hasn't.  I've discussed this with pediatrician, who did not seem concerned.  I'm wondering who can I talk to to help her stop.  She said she wants to because she doesn't want anyone making fun of her.  I should also mention that doesn't realize she's doing it till she notices she's not breathing or I hold her hand.  Thanks for any help!

[MommyM30]

Hello, I know this is old but what were the results? Did baby grow out of it or any results? My 9th month old has been doing this and dr said nothing to worry about but just checking. Thanks:)

[Feismom32]

16 yo is perfectly normal and healthy.  She’s learned to stop opening and closing her hands or other noticeable things.  She does however still hold her breath or clenches sometimes when she’s anticipating something.  It is rare.  She also has Vaso Vagel Snycope which is unrelated but does seem to come on when 1) she’s over heated and 2) nervous or anticipating something.  Has to be the perfect storm, I guess - as I swear she faints from holding her breath!  She does not have epilepsy.  It was and is truly nothing to worry about as doctors said.

[Feismom32]

Additionally, she’s been doing this since she too was a baby.