Patient's question:
My baby just turned one month old. Recently, I've noticed that sometimes when he's sleeping or awake (when it's very quiet with no other sounds), he often shakes. At this time, he doesn't urinate or have a bowel movement either. The elders say it's because the child is startled. But I don't think it's like a startled situation. I'd like to ask the experts what might be causing this and whether treatment is needed?First follow-up question: Could the experts please tell me what this phenomenon might be?
Second follow-up question: Thank you all!
The child's bowel movements are normal, and so are his urinations.
Doctor's answer:
The baby always trembles as if shivering. If the baby is a newborn, this is a normal physiological phenomenon. The nervous system of the baby is not fully developed, so when exposed to environmental sound stimuli, the neural impulses transmitted to the brain cannot be localized in the cerebral cortex. This causes the stimulus waves to spread to the nerve fibers of the limbs, leading to movements and tremors in the limbs.If the child is older, there are several possible reasons:
1. It could be a urinary reflex (a sudden jerk when the child needs to urinate).
2. The child may be startled or suffering from calcium deficiency, which could cause the symptoms mentioned above. In this case, it is recommended to let the child get more sunlight and maintain a good feeding habit, while also using AD drops.
3. There may be underdevelopment of the brain substance, resulting in high muscle tone. Alternatively, other underlying causes could be responsible. It is advisable to have the child examined by a doctor for an electroencephalogram (EEG) and other tests to determine the specific cause.
In summary, except for newborns and the possibility of a urinary reflex, it is recommended to have the child checked by a pediatrician. It is always better to be cautious and seek medical advice.