Is this a Myoclonic seizure? Infantile spasm?

My son, who has always been kinda fidgety, recently started doing these "happy fingers" a couple months ago when we introduced solid foods at 4 months. He also stiffens up his legs a lot (again when he seems excited). He doesn't do it all the time, as you will see in the video...when his hands are occupied or he's playing with a toy, he's not wiggly. He starts wiggling his fingers at about :07. At about 1:25 he has a slight jerk. He is now almost 9 months and it hasn't stopped. We are starting to get concerned it's something neurological. We took him to our Pediatrician who said the behavior is "odd", but sometimes kids do odd things when their nervous system is still developing but is sending him for an EEG next week. Wondering if those of you how have experience with seizures or spasms think this might be something. Dr. doesn't feel autism is an issue becuase he makes good eye contact and is social. PS—his twin sister is being noisy in the background. Thank you!

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• myoclonic seizure
• infantile spasm
• wiggly fingers
• stiff legs

[marleighny]

Update! I just wanted to let everyone know who posted a comment..that this was something he grew out of. He is a totally healthy and normal 2 year old now. It was very disturbing at the time and I hope that you all get the answers you are looking for. Good luck and best wishes to all!

[cgfrap]

did you figure out what this was? my sons does this all the time..problem is he's 3 years old and it didn't start until he was about 1 or so..he's not autistic, very social and talkative. I call it "piano fingers" b/c it looks like he's playing the piano..but lately it's gotten more diverse..

[WolfStorm82]

It does look like stimming or hand flapping, which is an early indication of autism,. The leg stiffening could also be an attempt to point his toes which is also indicative of autism.

[chibomato78]

it looks more like early signs of autism, my son was diagnosed and he showed similer signs when he was an infant.

[emilyexorcismzombie]

@MrMcshane70 your rude, get a life you jerk. shes just worried.

[ktallett]

I hope your son is doing well. My son was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms but was doing really well under his medication, Depakene. He then started to show a similar behavior as your son a few months after his initial diagnosis. After doing an extended EEG, his attacks were diagnosed as benign shudder attacks. We were so thrilled it wasn't the spasms again or a new kind of seizure. My son's shudders are more pronounced than your sons.

[spotsandstripes2]

would love to know how your son is now.... what was the outcome? x

[MrMcshane70]

This is normal baby movements. You're looking for problems. Get some therapy.

[lawofjude]

My son did this around the same age for months, he is 17 months old now and outgrew them long ago. His Pediatrician said they are completely normal and age appropriate. if a toddler were doing it then I would be worried.

[alisonamsb]

looks more like an immature neurological system. but always a good idea to get it checked out. the ped. neuro will be able to do a complete exam.  Doesn't look like seizures or infantile spasm but could be myoclonic spasms (the tightening - not the finger twittling).