Sandifer Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments
The human body is a complex organism, having different systems dedicated to various vital functions for our survival and that generally act in a coordinated and correct manner.
One of these systems is the digestive system, thanks to which we can incorporate nutrients necessary for survival. However, sometimes this and other body systems may present problems or alterations such as malformations or intolerances, or various diseases, injuries and disorders may come into play.
Sandifer syndrome is one of these disorders, which occurs during childhood and causes different symptoms although it is not considered dangerous for the minor.
Sandifer syndrome is a disorder that is often classified as paroxysmal motor, in which motor symptoms appear derived from alterations in the digestive system It is a disease that appears in minors and especially during the first years of life, although it can appear at any time between birth and adolescence, and the age of onset is frequently around eighteen months of age.
Children with Sandifer syndrome experience jerks and spasms lasting several minutes (generally between one and three) in areas such as the head, arms or legs with hyperextensions and various rotations. They frequently cause torticollis, rigid posture and arched back. And in some cases obstructive apnea also appears. These motor alterations can appear at different times of the day, but they tend to appear especially after eating and generally cease during sleep.
In this sense, another main symptom is the presence of esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus. They frequently present anemia caused by lack of iron, lack of appetite and dysphagia, vomiting and abdominal pain Hypotonia, weakness and fatigue may also appear.
The etiology of Sandifer syndrome is considered to be in the digestive tract. Generally, it is associated with the presence of reflux during digestion, with food being partially regurgitated as it passes from the stomach to the esophagus.
Another possible cause occurs when the infant suffers from a hiatus hernia , in which a part of the digestive tract protrudes through the diaphragm and becomes in the thorax instead of the abdomen. This can cause pain in the child, and in turn cause the aforementioned reflux.
It is speculated that in many cases muscle spasms are a consequence of an attempt to reduce the level of pain caused by gastroesophageal reflux.
Although the symptoms appear to be neurological, as a general rule at the brain level the child presents neurotypical neuronal activity, without alterations being observed at the electroencephalogram level. Thus, Sandifer syndrome would not be caused by a brain or nervous problem, and the spasms of epileptic seizures (with which this disorder is often confused) are not treated.
Behavioral alterations
Although Sandifer syndrome does not imply the existence of behavioral alterations, it must be taken into account that depending on its duration and moment of appearance, the pain derived from the problems that generate it can generate in the minor a certain fear conditioned by the fact of feeding. . This can cause problems such as limited nutrition or refusal to eat, although in the long run this fear can be extinguished as food is eaten without pain.
Likewise, the presence of anemia can cause inactivity and lack of motivation in the minor and sleep disturbances that can range from insomnia to hypersomnia.
Sandifer syndrome is a disorder whose prognosis is positive and has a good level of recovery , it being rare for there to be severe complications for the minor. However, it is important that there is an early diagnosis to prevent possible problems and seek a treatment that eliminates or reduces the digestive system problem that causes it.
In this sense, we seek to treat the problem that generates the syndrome. Generally, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux is instituted, in which the level of stomach acidity is pharmacologically caused to decrease. Also a surgical procedure may be required if it is due to a hiatus hernia or the treatment for reflux is not effective.
In addition, other possible symptoms such as iron deficiency anemia must be treated, and inflammation in cases of esophagitis must be reduced.
