Tremor in a newborn manifests itself before the age of one month in the form of jerking of the chin and arms, in rare cases, legs. In combination with muscle hypertonicity, it indicates increased excitability of the child and immaturity of the nervous system. Tremor in a newborn is observed in half the cases. Usually, this condition is observed with increased excitability, for example, during a fright, during crying, and also in the REM sleep phase, while the baby's eyes often twitch. Such manifestations in the early period after birth are considered normal, however, revealed tremor in a newborn indicates the need for consultation with a doctor.
During crying, complex excitation occurs in the peripheral nervous system, which is aimed at stabilizing the state. Tremor in a newborn during crying, characterized by frequent intensity and small amplitude, is considered a physiological feature characteristic of the baby’s nervous system.
Quite natural, according to experts, are considered minor frequent twitching during the first two days. In such cases, the state of excitation of the immature nervous system is manifested. A large amplitude of rare contractions in many cases appears throughout the week, not longer. Subsequently, similar manifestations are possible during the excitement or cry of the baby, in a state of hunger and during REM sleep. Similar phenomena last no more than three months from the moment of birth.
The causes of tremor include an excessive amount of norepinephrine in the blood. This hormone of the adrenal medulla performs the function of transmitting nerve impulses.
Premature infants are considered more prone to tremors. This is due to the underdevelopment of their nervous system.
The development of contractions can contribute to absolutely any factors associated with violations in the normal nervous development of the fetus. For example, hypoxia has a negative effect in the prenatal period or during birth, disrupting the brain. The causes of occurrence include weak labor, detachment of the placenta, entwining of the umbilical cord and so on. The stresses experienced by the mother during pregnancy, as well as birth injuries, of course, negatively affect the further development of the nervous systems (peripheral and central). These factors provoke a lack of incoming oxygen to the fetal brain.
To prevent the development of the disease, regular (especially in the so-called critical periods when the nervous system is more prone to malfunctions) visits to a pediatric neurologist are recommended.
Tremor: treatment
In a newborn, twitching during crying, fear, or REM sleep is considered normal and does not require therapy. As a rule, with age and strengthening of the nervous system, such manifestations disappear.
Unreasonable or increasing tremor in newborns
Treatment in such cases is aimed at restoring the child’s nervous system. In this case, a pediatrician, as a rule, prescribes therapeutic massage, therapeutic gymnastics, swimming.
The choice of therapy is usually based on the clinical form and the specific cause of the disease.
The identification of tremor attacks over a long period indicates serious disturbances in the nervous system. In some cases, surgery may be prescribed (if the conservative methods are ineffective). However, this, of course, takes into account the age of the patient, the clinical manifestations of the condition. The result of the operation is usually positive. At the same time, there is a stable and significant decrease in the severity of juggling or trembling.