Tremor in infants

Tremor in infants (3-12 months): When is shaking normal?

Tremor is a rhythmic, involuntary shaking of a part of the body, most often the hands. In newborns tremor is a physiological norm associated with the immaturity of the nervous system, and usually disappears by 3-4 months. If a mild tremor persists in infants older than 4 months, it is most often a manifestation of enhanced physiological tremor and does not indicate disease.

Causes of tremor in infants

• Enhanced physiological tremor: This is not a disease, but an amplification of normal, barely noticeable tremor in response to certain states: strong emotions (joy, fear, anger), fatigue, cold or a drop in blood sugar level (if the child has not eaten for a long time).
• Developmental leaps: Sometimes tremor can increase during periods of intensive acquisition of new motor skills.
• Medication side effect: Some drugs can cause tremor as a side effect.

How to distinguish tremor from seizures?

This is a key question for parents. Tremor is a rhythmic oscillation, whereas seizures are usually more abrupt, irregular jerks. The main point is that tremor is not accompanied by a change in consciousness. If the shaking is very strong, asymmetrical, interferes with the child’s play or eating, or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms, it is a reason to consult a pediatric neurologist.