Infantile spasms can also be referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare and serious form of epilepsy that is common in babies. These seizures are short, repetitive jerks which can result in developmental issues in the future if not identified and treated quickly. Recognizing the symptoms of infantile jerks as the parent can make a huge difference in your child’s development.
Be aware of the signs: Infantile spasms symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. There are specific indications to be on the lookout for.
A sudden jerk. The spasms are generally felt in the neck or upper body of a baby, which causes them to bend inward. The legs and arms could also move rapidly.
A cluster of episodes : These jerks can occur in groups of multiple spasms over an insignificant amount of time (seconds to minute). These episodes can be repeated throughout the day.
Change of expression: Babies might cry or seem agitated during spasms.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms and Movements in infants to detect early diagnoses
It is imperative to act quickly if think your child might have infantile spasms. In order to get an early diagnosis and effective treatment, each second counts. Capturing a video could help save your life
Visual evidence: Recording your child’s symptoms as a cluster of spasms provides doctors with valuable evidence of visuals to help diagnose. These small events can be ignored by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other types of seizures as well as normal baby movement.
Rapid treatment: Early diagnosis may allow for rapid treatment which could reduce the developmental delay that are associated with untreated spasms in infants.
If you suspect that your child has spasms, you must take action immediately.
If you witness your baby experiencing suspected infantile spasms:
Take the video. Use your camera, or phone to capture as many details of the spasms as possible.
Make an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as possible: Getting your child seen by a pediatrician is essential. Be clear about your concerns, and share the video, and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Find emergency help if required: If immediate access to a pediatrician is not available, then take your baby along with the video to the nearest emergency center which treats children.
Early intervention is the first step for ensuring the future of your child.
The effects of infantile spasms could be severe developmental delays, which include cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. Swift diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve the odds for your child’s recovery and achieving typical developmental milestones. The treatment for infantile spasms is in a variety of ways, from dietary changes to pharmaceuticals. For more serious cases it may require surgery. By addressing the issue by implementing appropriate medical treatment as soon possible parents can improve the likelihood of minimizing negative long-term effects, and assist their child on the path to improving motor and cognitive performance.
Do not ignore your gut If you believe that something might be wrong with your child. It’s always safer to be sure instead of sorry. Your child can be happy and healthy by being informed about the signs and symptoms of infantile injuries. If you notice them, you should take a picture and get medical attention immediately.
