Understanding Nighttime Screaming in Children: Causes & Solutions

Question
Dear Dr Aukerman,
My daughter (who will be 5 yrs old in September) has been having what my husband and I refer to as nighttime screaming fits since she was about 2 yrs old. These come and go, although they seem to happen for short periods of time, often following an eventful day (big party, visiting family out of town, etc). Basically, she starts crying, almost screaming, in the middle of the night, without ever opening her eyes. In fact, we are unable to get her to open her eyes and wonder if se's having a terrible nightmare from which she cannot seem to wake up.
Tonight, we're home, and she has been ill for a few days, with a fever and sore throat. The doctor believes it is strep throat and has prescribed an antibiotic, which she has been taking for a couple of days. Her fever has been down since yesterday, but her sore throat persists. My husband thinks these night screaming fits may be caused by "growing pains". I wonder if she may have some medical condition. I become extremely frustrated because I can't help her - and at the same time am afraid she'll work herself into such a frenzy that she may have a heart attack and die. Have you ever heard of this type of thing? I'm sorry if I'm long winded, but I hope that with all this information, perhaps something will ring a bell with you. Thank you for your time and help.
Ana  

Answer
Yes, these night screams are usually neurologic so ask your doctor to see a pediatric neurologist since they have been going on for so long. Growing pains are usually joint and muscle pains and even these usually needs laboratory testing to be sure they are not rheumatic in origin. See a specialist through your childs doctor so they can work together. OK?