Jittery babies: a short-term follow-up

Brain Dev. 1994 Mar-Apr;16(2):112-4. doi: 10.1016/0387-7604(94)90045-0.

Abstract

Thirty-nine full-term babies, appropriate for gestational age, and otherwise healthy, were followed-up in our neurology clinic because of jitteriness, until complete resolution of symptoms and neurological findings. The babies were examined at 3 month intervals, and were classified according to the severity of their associated neurological findings, hypertonicity and increased tendon reflexes, into two groups: 'mild' (n = 24), and 'moderate-to-severe' (n = 15). The mean follow-up period was 13.5 months. In 81% of the study population, jitteriness and neurological findings disappeared before the age of 9 months. In only 11% did they persist beyond the age of 1 year. The mean time until disappearance of associated neurological findings was significantly shorter (5.5 months) in the mild group, compared to the moderate-to-severe group (9.5 months). Only one infant displayed motor delay and required physiotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Psychomotor Agitation*