Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy.

Abstract

Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy encompass a group of disorders that appear during the neonatal period and in the first years of life, and that spontaneously disappear without leaving consequences. This article aimed to review the main transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders in infancy, focusing on recognition and diagnostic approach. Overall, it includes entities such as: jitteriness, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, shuddering, benign myoclonus of early infancy, transient idiopathic dystonia in infancy, spasmus nutans, paroxysmal tonic upgaze of infancy, and benign paroxysmal torticollis. Transient benign paroxysmal movement disorders are non-epileptic paroxysmal episodes, and their diagnosis is eminently clinical. The correct recognition of these entities is crucial to avoid anxiety, unnecessary complementary exams, and treatments.