Faced with a baby who tenses up and clenches his fists, we immediately think of epilepsy. However, this reaction is generally benign and of emotional origin. How to distinguish between infantile spasms and a simple tension? The explanations of Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris.
What are infantile spasms?
Infantile spasms are a rare form of epilepsy which is characterized by the occurrence of involuntary muscle contractions (spasms) responsible for a sudden flexion of the arms and trunk when the child is lying on his back. Most often, they are linked to a malformation of the brain. This syndrome affects approximately 1/30,000 births. Infantile spasms are usually associated with developmental delay. The diagnosis will be confirmed by an electroencephalogram, and treatment will have to be administered quickly in order to limit the impact on the child’s development.
Does that mean he’s in pain?
Infantile spasms are very rare. They fit into a context where the child loses contact with the environment, he becomes hypertonic or hypotonic, he has convulsive movements of the arms, hands and legs, staring. But if baby tenses up and clenches his fists and his development is strictly normal, it is simply a way of expressing a positive or negative emotion.. “ Most of the time, when a baby tenses up and clenches their fists, it’s an emotional reaction to something they didn’t like, upset or didn’t get. It is the manifestation of a certain frustration. However, frustration is part of the baby’s development. It is important that he understands that he cannot always have what he wants, when he wants. In this context, he suffers from not getting what he wants, but it’s not psychological suffering, just emotional “explains Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac.
Does it reflect a psychological disorder?
Infantile spasms do not reflect a psychological disorder but a neurological concern. The diagnosis can only be made from an electroencephalogram.
“A baby who tenses up and clenches his fists does not suffer from a psychological disorder, he simply expresses his frustration or annoyance”
“To relax a baby who is tensing up and clenching his fists, you must not get upset because that would be counter-productive. It is better to try to reassure him by talking to him calmly and listening to his request, without giving in.”advises our interlocutor.
And if he trembles at the same time, should I consult?
If the tremors are accompanied by a hypertonia or hypotonia of the whole body, it is necessary to consult. It can be an epileptic seizure, although it’s rare.
Is it because I was too stressed during pregnancy?
While several studies have highlighted the fact that stress during pregnancy can have an impact on the development of the fetus, this area remains generally unclear and uncertain. ” What matters is that the environment after birth is not stressful. If the mother is stressed during pregnancy but the interactions are good with her baby, the atmosphere is soft, empathetic and loving, there is no reason that the stress of pregnancy can have an impact on the child. Genetics also play a role: if the mother is anxious, the child is likely to be too “, reassures the pediatrician.
Thanks to Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris