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Sandifer syndrome
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Sandifer syndrome

Contributors: Eric Ingerowski MD, FAAP, Lowell A. Goldsmith MD, MPH
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Sandifer syndrome consists of episodic spasmodic torticollis with dystonic body movements and opisthotonic posturing that lasts several minutes in association with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is often mistaken as a seizure. Onset is usually in infancy or early childhood, but it has been reported in older children and adults. Pathophysiology is uncertain.

Other signs and symptoms include irritability, crying, poor feeding, regurgitation, vomiting, staring, apnea, epigastric pain, and jerking motions.

Sandifer syndrome may be associated with hiatal hernia, iron-deficiency anemia, asthma, pharyngitis, epilepsy, chronic cough, hematemesis, neurologic disorders, or metabolic disorders. It is rare.

Codes

ICD10CM:
M43.6 – Torticollis

SNOMEDCT:
230314007 – Sandifer syndrome

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

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Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Updated:10/10/2022
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Sandifer syndrome
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Sandifer syndrome (Sandifer Syndrome) : Dystonia, Muscle spasm, Opisthotonic posturing, Recurring episodes or relapses, Back arch
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