Curriculum · Neurology
Breath-holding spells
What it is
Breath holding spells are common from 6 months to 4 years, and they come in two forms, cyanotic and pallid. The pathogenesis is unclear: some data support dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, or delayed maturation in myelination of the brainstem.
Causes and risk
There is a family history in 50% of cases. The spell is triggered by sudden fear, pain, minor injury, frustration or anger. Iron deficiency is highly associated with breath-holding spells.