Once unconscious, the body's automatic breathing mechanisms take over and the child begins to breathe again. The episode usually lasts no more than a minute which in parent-time may seem like hours. Some people confuse these episodes with seizures. However, there are a few characteristics which make the distinction relatively easy. First, these episodes always follow crying.
Most seizures happen essentially unannounced.
The twitching or shaking the child does with a breath holding spell is usually minimal and not particularly rhythmic. Seizures often have severe rhythmic jerking. And finally, the child who has a breath holding spell usually fully recovers within a minute. Children are usually quite sleepy for about 10-15 minutes after a seizure. The good news is that these episodes cause no long lasting problems.