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.