Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome is a rare but serious type of epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are short repeated jerks which can result in long-term developmental issues should they not be treated quickly. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms are crucial for the future of your child.
Infantile spasms: Symptoms and signs to look out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. There are some specific indications to be on the lookout for.
Instinctive jerks usually involve the baby’s neck and upper body, which causes them to bend their bodies quickly. Legs and arms may also flex or extend rapidly.
Spasms that are clustered: These episodes typically occur in the space of a few minutes (seconds or minutes). The spasms in these clusters may occur throughout the daytime.
Babies may look agitated or cry during a rage of screams.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms and Movements in infants for early diagnosis
You need to act quickly when you suspect your child is experiencing infantile spasms. Every minute counts towards ensuring an early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some instances when video recording could help save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms gives doctors invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. Sometimes, these minor events can be missed during a doctor’s appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: Clear video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other types of seizures, or normal baby movements.
Treatment could begin earlier If a diagnosis is made early, it could allow treatment to start more quickly. This may reduce the possibility of delay in development associated with untreated infantile sprains.
Act Now if you suspect that your child has spastics
If you witness your baby experiencing suspected infantile spasms:
Video capture using your phone or camera to capture an accurate video of spasms, recording as much detail as is possible.
Contact your pediatrician as soon as you can. It is imperative that your child visit their physician. Share the video and explain your concerns.
Take your child and video to the nearest emergency room which is geared towards children, if you have to seek emergency care.
Early intervention is vital in ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms can lead to severe developmental delays, which include intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. It is crucial to identify your child promptly and intervene immediately in order to maximize the chances of recovery and milestones for your child. There are many options available for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medical regimens. If the problem is serious, surgery might be required. If you can address this issue through appropriate medical management as soon possible, parents can increase the chance of minimizing adverse effects over time and aiding their child in his or her journey to improved motor and cognitive performance.
Remember: Don’t ignore your instincts if you suspect there’s something an issue with your baby. Always be vigilant. It’s important to be aware of infantile spasms and symptoms, take footage of them in case you notice these signs and seek medical care.
