Benign shuddering attacks

This code represents a rare, non-epileptic paroxysmal disorder primarily affecting infants and young children, characterized by brief, involuntary shivers or tremors of the head, neck, and sometimes trunk. These episodes are typically benign, self-limiting, and not associated with loss of consciousness, developmental regression, or other neurological deficits.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of "benign shuddering attacks" or "benign infantile tremors." This diagnosis is typically made clinically, based on characteristic presentation and exclusion of other seizure disorders or movement disorders. Ensure the physician's notes clearly differentiate these from epileptic seizures or other paroxysmal events.

• Differentiate from infantile spasms (G40.4-) or other seizure types; benign shuddering attacks are non-epileptic.
• Avoid using codes for essential tremor (G20.00-G20.01) or other specific tremor disorders unless explicitly documented.
• Ensure documentation confirms the benign nature and absence of underlying neurological pathology.