Breath-Holding Spells: Keeping a Record

Before taking your child to a doctor for breath-holding spells, write down what typically happens. Your doctor can review your notes and offer ways to help your child. Try to observe and record what happens before, during, and after the breath-holding spell. Keep the following questions in mind:

• What situations occur just before your child has a breath-holding spell? Was your child angry, frustrated, in pain, or scared?
• During a spell, does your child's skin color appear to become more blue-red or more pale?
• How does your child act during a spell? Do your child's muscles twitch?
• How long do the spells last?
• Does your child pass out?
• Does your child vomit or pass urine?
• How does your child act after a spell?