What Is Infant Shudder Syndrome?

Infant shudder syndrome is a condition that causes infants to experience involuntary, rapid shuddering movements primarily in the upper body, including the head, shoulders, and arms. These episodes may resemble shivering or tremors and typically last only a few seconds. While this condition can be alarming to parents, it’s generally considered benign and resolves on its own as the child grows. 

In some cases, however, frequent or severe shuddering episodes may indicate an underlying medical condition. This makes it important for parents to monitor their baby’s symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. To recover compensation for a birth injury related to Infant Shudder Syndrome, you should get strong legal representation from experienced Indiana personal injury lawyers. 

Understanding Infant Shudder Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms

The primary characteristic of infant shudder syndrome is brief, repetitive shuddering episodes that occur without any apparent triggers. Other signs include:

• Episodes lasting only a few seconds
• Occurrence multiple times a day (sometimes up to 100 times per day)
• No loss of consciousness during the episodes
• No post-episode fatigue or confusion (as seen in seizures)
• Episodes not triggered by cold temperatures

Parents who observe these symptoms should record video evidence of the episodes to share with a pediatrician for further evaluation and seek a detailed Infant Shudder Syndrome explanation. 

Infant Shudder Syndrome vs. Seizures

While shudder syndrome in infants is usually harmless, its symptoms can sometimes be confused with seizures, which require medical attention. Key differences include:

• Consciousness: Babies with infant shudder syndrome remain alert and responsive, whereas seizures often cause a lack of awareness or responsiveness.
• Post-Episode Behavior: Seizures may cause drowsiness, confusion, or weakness afterward, while infants with shudder syndrome resume normal activity.
• Movement Type: Seizures can involve more violent, jerky movements that may last longer than a few seconds.

If there’s any uncertainty, a pediatrician may refer the child to a neurologist for further testing, such as an EEG (electroencephalogram) to monitor brain activity.

Potential Causes of Infant Shudder Syndrome

The exact cause of infant shudder syndrome remains unclear. However, some possible contributing factors include:

• Neurological Immaturity: The developing nervous system in infants may cause brief, involuntary muscle movements that resolve as the child matures.
• Adrenaline Surges: Some experts believe that sudden bursts of adrenaline in response to excitement, stimulation, or distress may contribute to shuddering episodes.
• Low Blood Sugar Levels: Some studies suggest that shuddering incidents may occur when a baby has lower-than-normal blood sugar levels.
• Birth-Related Factors: In some cases, a difficult birth, lack of oxygen during delivery, or minor brain trauma may be associated with shudder-like movements.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although infant shudder syndrome is usually harmless, parents should seek medical advice if they notice:

• Frequent or prolonged episodes
• Episodes increasing in intensity or duration
• Signs of developmental delays or motor skill issues
• Unresponsiveness during or after episodes
• Additional concerning symptoms such as stiffening, arching of the back, or abnormal eye movements

A thorough evaluation by a pediatrician and, if necessary, a neurologist can help rule out serious conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or metabolic disorders.

How Our Indiana Birth Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our Indiana birth injury lawyers are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable when their actions lead to birth-related trauma, including infant shudder syndrome caused by medical negligence. 

If your baby’s shuddering episodes are linked to oxygen deprivation, improper use of delivery tools, or other birth injuries, we will take the following legal steps to prove liability and recover the compensation your family is owed.

Proving Medical Negligence

Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into your child’s birth records, medical history, and expert testimony. We work closely with medical experts, neonatologists, and neurologists to determine whether:

• Medical professionals failed to monitor fetal distress
• Forceps or vacuum extractors were used improperly
• Your baby suffered from oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) due to delayed C-section or prolonged labor

Recovering Full Compensation

If medical negligence is established, we will fight to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including ongoing neurological care)
• Pain and suffering
• Future therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Loss of quality of life

Our Indianapolis Birth Injury Lawyers Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation 

If your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence, Wagner Reese, LLP is here to fight for the justice and compensation your family needs. With over 20 years of experience and a formidable record of recovering million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, our Indiana birth injury attorneys are relentless in holding negligent medical providers accountable. 

We refuse to accept lowball offers from insurance companies and are committed to pursuing the full financial recovery you’re owed. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.