my two and a half year old son

[huddy55]

my boy jerks in his sleep and sometime when he is quiet he will jerk his arms in you opion what might be causing this

[TenEyck]

Don't panic when I tell you this but I throw my arms jerk them and jerk my legs and body in my sleep due to tourettes sydrome. Now do not jump to the conclusion that he has Tourettes Sydrome. It could be simply that his brain tells him he's uncomfortable in his sleep.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, his condition is suggestive of myoclonus or myoclonic jerk. But it needs a detailed evaluation for type of myoclonus (Physiologic, Essential, Epileptic or Secondary) and also the focal discharge arising from the region of the brain. This condition needs o be differentiated from restless leg syndrome wherein the symptoms are predominantly restricted to legs and there are other causes.

The causes for jerks can be peripheral neuropathies, vitamin and minerals deficiencies, excess caffeine intake, hypoglycemia, and hypothyroidism. He need to undergo blood sugar and thyroid status to rule out the cause. He may have to take vitamin B-complex supplementation.

First important step for management is treat identifiable cause. Pharmacotherapy usually involves drug modulating GABAergic neurotransmission like Levetiracetam, Piracetam, Clonazepam or Valproic acid against prescription. I suggest you to consult neuro physician for his further evaluation and management. Take care and regards.