Is there a genetic connection to breath-holding spells?

Breath-holding spells, commonly found in young children, are indeed noted to have a familial component, with studies indicating that approximately 25% of cases have a genetic connection. This means that if a child experiences breath-holding spells, there’s a notable chance that a family member may have experienced similar episodes, suggesting a hereditary tendency.

The genetic aspect of breath-holding spells can also relate to the way certain families may experience these spells, often influenced by parental or sibling frustration, emotional temperament, or other factors that may contribute to the likelihood of these events occurring in offspring.

While breath-holding spells can sometimes be mistaken for seizures, it is significant to highlight that they are distinct phenomena, and not solely associated with a history of seizures in the family. Thus, the connection being limited to families with a history of seizures, or stating that there is no genetic connection at all, does not accurately reflect the observed epidemiology of breath-holding spells.