Although BHS have been described in children under six months of age, occurrence in such young infants is uncommon. Boys and girls are affected equally. These recurrent conditions, which have a sudden onset and no epileptiform focus, resolve spontaneously. The two types of BHS are cyanotic and pallid. The cyanotic type is more common.
Affected children experience several spells per week.
Cyanotic episodes are most often provoked by an upsetting event, anger, frustration, or scolding rather than by injury or fear. Children usually cry or scream loudly. The cries become noiseless as children open their mouths and hold their breath in expiration. After approximately 30 seconds of apnea, a color change is apparent as children become cyanotic. The spell may terminate at this point, or children may proceed to lose consciousness and become limp.