Infantile spasms also known as West syndrome is a rare but serious epilepsy condition that affects babies. These seizures are brief and repetitive, but they can cause lasting developmental problems in the event that they are not addressed and treated promptly. As a parent, understanding the signs of infantile spasms may have a profound impact to your child’s development.
Infantile spasms: Symptoms and signs to look out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are specific features to be able to spot:
Instinctive jerks typically affect the neck of the infant as well as its upper body, causing them to flex forward rapidly. The legs and arms can also be moved quickly.
In clustered episodes, these are usually seen in clusters of a number of spasms over an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). The clusters may occur frequently during the daytime.
Modification of expression Babies might cry or look agitated during movements.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early diagnosis
It is essential to be on the lookout for time if you suspect your child could be suffering from spasms in the infant. In order to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment, every second counts. The ability to record a video can help save your life
Visual evidence: Keeping track of your child’s experience with a series of spasms can provide doctors with invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. These short events are sometimes not noticed by doctors at an appointment.
A clear video aids doctors to accurately identify infantile seizures and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures, or normal movements of babies.
Treatment speed: Early diagnosis can enable quick treatment, potentially minimizing developmental delays that result from non-treated spasms in infants.
If you suspect that your child is having spasms, you must take action immediately.
If you believe that your child may be experiencing infantile spasms, then:
Record a video using your phone or camera to take a clear video of the spasms. Make sure you record as much detail as possible.
Call your pediatrician as quick as possible. It is important to ensure that your child visits their physician. Discuss your concerns, provide the video and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Get emergency treatment if needed: If immediate access to a pediatrician is not possible, bring your child along with the video to the nearest emergency center which treats children.
Early intervention is key to protecting your child’s future
Infantile spasms can cause severe developmental delays, which include cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. It is vital to determine the condition of your child quickly and intervene immediately to increase the odds of recovery and milestones your child will experience. Many treatment options are available to address infantile spasms which range from medications to special diets and in more severe instances, surgical intervention may be needed. In addressing this condition with the appropriate medical treatment early enough, parents can increase the likelihood of minimizing long-term effects and helping their child on his or her path to better cognitive and motor function.
Remember: Don’t ignore the instincts of your body if you suspect that something is wrong with your baby. Always be cautious. You can help your child stay healthy and happy by educating yourself about signs and signs of infantile sprains. If you observe them, take a video and seek immediate medical attention.