PAROXYSMAL PHENOMENA IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF LIFE

The prevalence of paroxysmal phenomena in the first two years of life was assessed in 1854 children of Dutch-speaking mothers of a populatio n-based birth cohort. At each visit to the Child Health Clinic (CHC), mothers were asked whether they had noted sudden change of consciousne ss, involuntary movements, deviation of the eyes or apnoea, and if so, whether these appeared to be related to feeding. Paroxysmal episodes occurred in a quarter of the children: in 8 per cent only in relation to feeding, in 19 per cent also not related to feeding. The latter chi ldren were more frequently admitted to hospital and had more disabilit ies at age two years. No connection with epilepsy in the family or wit h congenital anomalies could be demonstrated. Special attention should be paid by the CHC team to children with paroxysmal phenomena not ass ociated with feeding.