Infantile spasms (also called West Syndrome) is a severe and uncommon form of epilepsy which affects infants. If not dealt with and diagnosed quickly, these seizures can cause developmental problems. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms are crucial for the development 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 certain signs to watch out for.
Sudden jerks. The spasms are usually felt in the neck or upper body of a newborn baby. This causes them to turn to the side. Furthermore, the legs and arms may flex or stretch in a rapid manner.
In clustered episodes, these jerks often occur in clusters of a number of spasms over a short period (seconds to minutes). These clusters of spasms may be experienced throughout the day.
The expression of babies might cry or seem startled when they are experiencing spasms.
The power of video – Capturing Infantile spasms to Early Diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby might be having infantile spasms, then time is of the essence. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every moment. Video recording could help save your life
Visual evidence. The recording of your child’s having the spasms for a long time can be extremely helpful to doctors in diagnosing the condition. These short events are sometimes overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
A clear video helps doctors identify infantile seizures, and help distinguish them with other types of seizures, or normal movements in infants.
Treatment can begin sooner If a diagnosis is made early, it could help treatment begin sooner. This can reduce the chance of developmental delays caused by untreated infantile sprains.
Take Action Now if You suspect that your child has spastics
If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing infantile spasms then:
Make a video recording: Use your phone or camera to take a clear video of spasms. Make sure you record as much detail as possible.
Get in touch with your pediatrician as fast as possible. It is essential to ensure that your child visits their pediatrician. Be clear about your concerns, and share the video footage, and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Bring your child and the video to the nearest emergency room that is geared towards children, if you have to seek urgent care.
Early intervention is crucial to safeguarding your child’s future
Infantile spasms are able to cause serious developmental setbacks which can result in a range of difficulties, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. To maximize your child’s odds of regaining and reaching developmental milestones it is imperative to identify and treat them promptly. The treatment for infantile spasms is with a variety, from dietary changes to medications. In more severe cases it may require surgery. If you can address this issue by implementing appropriate medical treatment whenever possible, parents can increase the chance of minimizing adverse effects over time and aiding their child along her journey to improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Always listen to your gut if you think something is wrong in your child. It’s always safer than sorry. It’s essential to know infantile spasms symptoms, capture a video of them if you happen to see these signs and seek medical care.