What is a breath-holding spell?

A breath-holding spell is a episodes where a child involuntarily stops breathing, often triggered by strong emotions such as anger, pain, or frustration. During these spells, the child may cry, hold their breath, and can become pale or even briefly lose consciousness. This condition is particularly common in toddlers and young children as they may not yet have developed the emotional regulation skills to manage their feelings.

The nature of breath-holding spells means they can resemble a seizure in some aspects, but they are not caused by electrical disturbances in the brain like true seizures. Instead, they are a behavioral response to overwhelming emotions, primarily anger or distress, making them a recurring condition rather than a medical issue like a seizure disorder or a sign of respiratory disease. They typically resolve as the child grows older and learns to cope with their emotions more effectively.