Infantile spasms (also called West Syndrome) is a serious and rare form of epilepsy which affects infants. If not treated and diagnosed early enough, seizures can result in developmental issues. Knowing the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms can be crucial for the long-term development of your child.
Infantile spasms: Signs and indications to be on the lookout for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some specific characteristics to look out for:
Rapid jerks: These spasms generally involve the neck and upper body, which causes them to bend quickly. The legs and arms could also move quickly.
In clustered episodes, these tend to be jerks that occur in groups of several spasms within a short period (seconds to minutes). These clusters of spasms may occur throughout the daytime.
Babies can appear agitated or cry out during spasms.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms and Movements in infants for diagnosis earlier
You need to act quickly should you suspect that your child is experiencing infantile spasms. To ensure prompt diagnosis and a successful treatment, every second counts. A video recording can help save your life
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with a cluster of spasms can be extremely helpful to doctors to diagnose the problem. These brief events can be overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other types of seizures or normal baby movement.
Treatment may begin earlier The early diagnosis could allow treatment to start faster. This could reduce the chance of developmental delays caused by untreated infantile sprains.
Act Now if you suspect that your child has spastics
If you notice your child being prone to infantile spasms, the following symptoms may be present:
Video capture Make use of your smartphone or camera to take a clear video of the spasms, recording as much detail as possible.
Contact your pediatrician immediately: Getting your child seen by a pediatrician is essential. Show the video and explain your concerns.
Bring your child and the video to the closest emergency room that is geared towards children, if you have to seek out emergency medical attention.
Early Intervention is the key to Preserving your child’s future
Infantile spasms are able to cause serious developmental setbacks that can be a result of a variety of difficulties, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. Rapid diagnosis and intervention is essential to maximize the chances for your child’s healing and achieving the typical milestones in development. There are many treatment options available for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medication regimens. If the issue is severe, surgery may be needed. Parents can help their children improve their motor and cognitive functioning by addressing the problem whenever possible.
Always listen to your gut if you think something is wrong in your child. Always be aware. Your child can keep them healthy and happy by being informed of signs and symptoms of infantile strains. If you notice them, make a video and get medical attention immediately.