Oddly twitching screaming baby - what is it?

[dixia]

Earlier this evening my 8 month old ds was sleeping and then woke up with the weirdest scream - kind of a strangled scream. I picked him up and he continued to try and really really scream, but it was as if he couldn't get the air in or something. However, he actually seemed to be breathing fine.

Then he started twitching - involuntary spasms of his limbs and tummy and twitches of the head. This went on for some time - around 5 minutes then slowing down for another 5 or so.

He then got back to his normal self and was calm around 25 mins after he first woke up.

He is now sleeping normally, but I'm a bit worried about this strange behaviour - any ideas? I keep checking him, but he seems fine now.

I would be tempted to either ring nhs direct or go to a&e.

dixia ring nhs direct or gp out of hours number.

dixia i have just searched your name to see if you're still here and discovered you are in spain. no idea what system is there but i do think you should get some professional advice tonight if you can or in the morning otherwise.

i agree to seek further proper medical advice. My DP has epilepsy and if he has a night time seziure it kind of sounds like all the air being expelled from his lungs, followed by the twitching. Not saying that what has happened to you but sounds vaguely simular. I would get it checked out.

I am in Spain, yes.

I will ring NHS direct from here. He had a pneumothorax when he was born and was in intensive care for 8 days. So I am watching for breathing problems. But he is sleeping fine now.