jitteriness
Last reviewed 04/2023
Jitteriness is a symptom in neonates where an infant is easily startled and does not settle easily. It is as if the child is highly strung, anxious and on edge, although these description imply some sort of cognitive process and in neonates jitteriness is nearly always pathophysiological.
Jitteriness should be distinguished from fits. The latter tend not to be stimulus sensitive, and do not cease with restraint.