Breath-Holding Spells May be Associated With Maturational Delay in Myelination of Brain Stem

Abstract

Our results consider that maturational delay in myelination of brain stem may have a role in the etiology of breath-holding spells in children.

Effect of iron supplementation in children with breath holding spells

“…Although these spells are benign, they can be frightening and quite distressing to the parents. Genetic pre‐disposition, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, delayed myelination of the brain‐stem are different mechanisms postulated to be behind this entity …”

Isolated Oropharyngeal Muscle Spasm in a Young Child post Extubation: A Case Report

“…Few cases are reported in young children also 3 up to 4 years of age. Vurucus et al, [4] described it to be related to delayed myelination of the brainstem. Our case was older than the children who may present with voluntary breath-holding.…”

Performance of a tracheostomy removal protocol for pediatric patients in rehabilitation after acquired brain injury: Factors associated with timing and possibility of decannulation

“…One important aspect for conscious children is the fear of procedures for tracheostomy care and removal: breath-holding spells are emotional reactions that involve agitation, fits of cry, and dyspnea. 20,21 Their etiology has been connected with autonomic impairments due to delayed myelination, 29,30 therefore, they are agedependent; since there is no precise indication of the maximum age at which breath-holding spells may manifest, we adopted a cut-off of 5.5…”