Types of breath-holding spells
Breath-holding spells fall into two categories:
Cyanotic breath-holding
Cyanotic breath-holding is the most common type of spell. It is usually triggered when a child cries after feeling angry, frustrated or frightened. Because the child stops breathing, their bodies receive less oxygen. This can lead to changes in the child's heart rate.
Pallid breath-holding
Pallid breath-holding, which is less common, is triggered after a child experiences pain, for example after falling or hitting their head. This can lead to changes to the child's nervous system, which causes the symptoms such as forced breathing or jerky movements.
It is common for your child to have a breath-holding spell with a temper tantrum. If your child has mild breath-holding spells and does not become faint, it is best to ignore the spell as you would ignore a temper tantrum, while making sure the child is safe.