What are breath-holding spells, and do they cause brain damage?
Quick Answer
Breath-holding spells are involuntary episodes where a child holds their breath and may turn blue or faint, usually triggered by anger, pain, or fear. They are benign and do not cause brain damage, epilepsy, or learning problems.
Medical Details & Guidelines
Breath-holding spells typically occur in children between 6 months and 6 years of age. During an episode, the child cries, holds their breath, and may lose consciousness for a few seconds before fully recovering. Though frightening for parents, the brain automatically restarts breathing once the child faints. Iron deficiency anemia is strongly linked to these spells; treating the anemia often reduces their frequency. EEG can help rule out seizures if the diagnosis is unclear.Key takeaways for parents
- Involuntary reflex, not intentional temper tantrums or breath-holding.
- No long-term harm to brain function, memory, or intelligence.
- Commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia; treatment helps.
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