Sandifer syndrome

Sandifer syndrome is a rare condition that mainly affects babies and young children. It is closely linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which means stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe (esophagus), causing pain and irritation. In response to this discomfort, children with Sandifer syndrome make unusual, twisting movements of their head, neck, and sometimes their back. These movements can look a lot like seizures or a movement disorder, which often leads to confusion and delayed diagnosis. The condition is sometimes called Sandifer's syndrome. The most striking feature of Sandifer syndrome is the way children arch or twist their bodies — especially their neck and upper back — often right after eating. This is thought to be the child's way of trying to ease the pain caused by acid reflux. Other signs include vomiting, irritability, and feeding difficulties. Some children may also have iron-deficiency anemia if the reflux causes bleeding in the esophagus. The good news is that Sandifer syndrome is very treatable. When the underlying acid reflux is properly managed — through feeding changes, medications that reduce stomach acid, or in some cases surgery — the unusual movements usually go away completely. Most children do very well with treatment and have no lasting problems. Early and correct diagnosis is key, because children are sometimes unnecessarily treated for epilepsy or other neurological conditions before Sandifer syndrome is recognized.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.How certain are you that this is Sandifer syndrome and not epilepsy or another movement disorder?,What tests do you recommend to confirm the diagnosis and check for esophageal damage?,Which medication do you recommend for my child's acid reflux, and what are the possible side effects?,How long will my child need to take medication, and how will we know when it is safe to stop?,What feeding changes should I make at home, and are there foods I should avoid giving my child?,When should I expect to see the unusual movements improve after starting treatment?,At what point would you consider surgery, and what does that involve?

Common questions about Sandifer syndrome