Infantile spasms, also referred to as West syndrome is a rare, severe form of epilepsy that affects babies. These seizures are brief and repetitive, but they can result in long-term developmental issues in the event that they are not addressed and treated promptly. Knowing the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms can be crucial for the development of your child.
Spasms in infants: symptoms and Signs to Look Out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some characteristics to be aware of:
A sudden jerk. The spasms are typically experienced in the neck and upper body of a baby, which causes them to quickly lean forward. Also, the legs and arms may flex or stretch quickly.
Spasms that are clustered: These episodes tend to be grouped in an extremely short amount of time (seconds or minutes). These episodes can be repeated throughout the day.
Baby may seem agitated, or cry during a rage of screams.
The Power of Video: Capturing Infantile Spasms for the early diagnosis
You must act swiftly if you think your child may be experiencing spasms in the infant. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on the moment. The ability to record a video can help save your life
Visual evidence: By recording the child’s spasms, parents can provide doctors with valuable visual evidence that can help them diagnose. These brief events can be overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
A clear video can help doctors pinpoint infantile seizures. It also helps distinguish them with other types of seizures, or normal movements for babies.
Treatment can begin sooner A diagnosis early could enable treatment to begin sooner. This may reduce the chance of developmental delays associated with untreated infantile sprains.
Do Something Now if You Are afraid of infantile spasms
If you notice your child suffering from suspected infantile spasms,
Create an audio or video. Utilize your camera or smartphone to capture as many details of the spasms you experience as you can.
Make contact with your pediatrician as quickly as possible. It is imperative that your child sees your pediatrician. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
Find emergency help if required: If you need immediate access to your pediatrician is unavailable, you should take your baby and the video recorder to the closest emergency department that treats children.
Early intervention is crucial: Preserving your child’s future
The effects of infantile spasms could be serious developmental delays, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. It is vital to determine the condition of your child quickly and intervene promptly to increase the likelihood of recovery and milestones for your child. Infantile spasms can be treated by a variety of methods, from dietary changes or medications. In more serious cases, surgery may be required. By addressing the issue quickly through appropriate medical management parents increase the chance of minimizing long-term damage and facilitating their child’s journey toward improved cognitive and motor functioning.
Remember: Don’t ignore your instincts when you think there’s something not right with your child. Always be on guard. It is possible to help your child remain healthy and happy by educating yourself about signs and symptoms of infantile sprains. If you notice them, you should take a picture and seek immediate medical attention.
