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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Shaking baby

12 replies

stickydoughnuts · 07/11/2022 18:55

My 5 month old baby shakes quite a lot - when he’s crying his hands and arms visibly shake, but also just usually when he’s reaching for a toy etc. he’s fine to reach it but he shakes sometimes when attempting. His jaw still quivers sometimes when he’s crying or cold, which I thought he was supposed to grow out of some months ago. He’s had an MRI for an unrelated matter and that was all clear.

he’s not my first baby and my other one didn’t do this so I’m starting to freak out a little.

do I need to see a doctor about this? AIBU to panic? Does anyone have experience of this please?

OP posts:
WutheringTights · 07/11/2022 18:59

First, do get it checked. GP should refer you straightaway. But two of mine did it: one hardly noticeably and one really dramatically. Consultants could find nothing wrong with either of them and they’re now both completely fine, really bright, active and doing brilliantly at school etc. So get it checked but try not to worry as it may be nothing. Hope that’s helpful.

Original poster
stickydoughnuts · 07/11/2022 19:26

WutheringTights · 07/11/2022 18:59

First, do get it checked. GP should refer you straightaway. But two of mine did it: one hardly noticeably and one really dramatically. Consultants could find nothing wrong with either of them and they’re now both completely fine, really bright, active and doing brilliantly at school etc. So get it checked but try not to worry as it may be nothing. Hope that’s helpful.

Thank you so much for that! Very reassuring

OP posts:
Original poster
stickydoughnuts · 07/11/2022 19:32

WutheringTights · 07/11/2022 18:59

First, do get it checked. GP should refer you straightaway. But two of mine did it: one hardly noticeably and one really dramatically. Consultants could find nothing wrong with either of them and they’re now both completely fine, really bright, active and doing brilliantly at school etc. So get it checked but try not to worry as it may be nothing. Hope that’s helpful.

Can I also ask please what the doctor checked your children for, with the shaking?

OP posts:
WutheringTights · 07/11/2022 19:55

Mine were seen by a paediatrician and neurologist (there were some other specific circumstances so you might not get the same), had MRI scans and were monitored, checked for infections etc. but no one could find anything wrong. They said that some babies do just shake.

MadeForThis · 07/11/2022 20:33

Try to get a video of your baby doing it. It's unlikely they will do it when the doctor is present and it will give them a better idea what you are worried about.

DD1 was given an EKG on her head as she randomly froze and shuddered. I was worried about febrile seizures. I videoed her doing it and the GP referred her to be checked. Luckily she was fine but I was very impressed with her care.

Original poster
stickydoughnuts · 07/11/2022 20:42

MadeForThis · 07/11/2022 20:33

Try to get a video of your baby doing it. It's unlikely they will do it when the doctor is present and it will give them a better idea what you are worried about.

DD1 was given an EKG on her head as she randomly froze and shuddered. I was worried about febrile seizures. I videoed her doing it and the GP referred her to be checked. Luckily she was fine but I was very impressed with her care.

Thank you! I will get a video tomorrow.

i feel reassured that he’s had a clear MRI. I don’t think it’s the sort of shake that indicates a seizure but im
not a doctor so video is a great idea thank you

OP posts:
EmeraldShamrock1 · 07/11/2022 20:44

Is he tensing or involuntary shaking.

Definitely take a video.

Original poster
stickydoughnuts · 07/11/2022 20:47

EmeraldShamrock1 · 07/11/2022 20:44

Is he tensing or involuntary shaking.

Definitely take a video.

Looks like involuntary shaking when he’s upset or reaching for something

OP posts:
Pompomsfantastix · 07/11/2022 20:59

Both mine did this (one was flagged by a nurse while in special care) and they both grew out of it. It was very worrying at the time but just another one of those things! Definitely get them checked out though.

Original poster
stickydoughnuts · 07/11/2022 21:04

Thank you!!! So much reassurance to hear it’s not just mine!

it’s crazy how much you worry/how much experience you can have and then bam! A child comes along with something different and it throws you for a loop/you worry sick about something else

OP posts:
justmewithmylifetoday · 30/01/2023 16:50

@stickydoughnuts how is your little one now?

Mimi2022 · 05/11/2023 01:17

@stickydoughnuts @justmewithmylifetoday how are your little ones? Did you find out more about this?

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