Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus

Sleep Health
1

Hi,

My 6 month old daughter was recently (Monday) diagnosed with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. When she has just fallen asleep, her arms jerk up and outwards and her legs crunch upwards (like a startle reflex). It happened 15 times last night within around 15 minutes and eventually with the last few ended up waking her up upset. The Dr at the children’s hospital diagnosed her via a video I have as I was concerned about infantile spasms but because she is always asleep (early sleep) when this happens, the above was the diagnosis.

I’ve searched benign neonatal sleep myoclonus on the internet and none of the videos look like what my girl is doing. Does anyone have any experience of it presenting in this way?

2

That sounds really stressful, especially when the movements do not match what you’re seeing online. I’d consider getting a second opinion or asking for an EEG just for peace of mind, as many parents find that reassuring.

3

Hi, thank you.

I’m struggling because in the UK we don’t have a specific paediatrician and my GP just isn’t interested. I’ll keep pushing though.