Sandifer syndrome: symptoms, causes and treatments

The human body is a complex organism, possessing 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 can present problems or alterations such such as malformations or intolerances, or various diseases, injuries and disorders.

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: description and symptoms

Sandifer syndrome is a disorder that is often categorized 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 in any time between birth and adolescence, and the age of onset is often around eighteen months of age. age.

Children with Sandifer syndrome experience jerks and spasms lasting several minutes (between one and three generally) in areas such as the head, arms or legs with hyperextension and various rotations. They often cause a stiff neck, rigid postures, and arching of the back. And in some cases obstructive apnea also appears. These motor disturbances can appear at different times of the day, but they tend to appear especially after ingestion and generally cease during sleep.

In this sense, another of the main symptoms is the presence of esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus. They frequently present with anemia caused by a lack of iron, lack of appetite and dysphagia, vomiting and abdominal pain.. Hypotonia, weakness and fatigue may also appear.

Causes of this disease

The etiology of Sandifer syndrome is considered to be in the digestive tract. Generally, it is associated with the presence of reflux during digestion, partially regurgitating the food 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 into 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 the result of an attempt to reduce the level of pain caused by the gastroesophageal reflux.

Although the symptoms appear to be neurological, as a general rule, at the brain level the child presents a neurotypical neuronal activity, without alterations being observed at the level of electroencephalogram. Thus, Sandifer's 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 changes

Although Sandifer's syndrome does not imply the existence of behavioral alterations, it must be taken into account that depending on their duration and moment of appearance the pain derived from the problems that generate it can generate in the minor a certain fear conditioned to the fact that feed. This can lead to problems such as limited eating or refusal to eat, although sometimes In the long run, this fear can be extinguished as food is taken without it occurring. pain.

Likewise, the presence of anemia can cause inactivity and lack of motivation in the minor., and sleep disorders that can range from insomnia such as hypersomnia.

Treatments

Sandifer syndrome is a disorder whose prognosis is positive and presents a good level of recovery, being rare that there are severe complications for the child. 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 generates it.

In this sense, it seeks to treat the problem that generates the syndrome. In general, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux is established, 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 hiatal hernia or reflux treatment is not effective.

In addition to this, other possible symptoms such as anemia due to lack of iron should be treated, and inflammation should be reduced in cases of esophagitis.

Bibliographic references:

• Lopez, J.M. (1999). Paroxysmal motor disorders. Rev Neurol; 28(161):89-97.
• Quintero, M.I.; Lopez, K.; Belandria, K.; Navarro, d. (2012). Sandifer syndrome. About gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Gene 66(2). Caracas
• Sherman, P. et al. (2009). A Global, Evidence-Based Consensus on the Definition of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Pediatric Population. Am. J. Gastroenterol., 104:1278-1295.