Infantile spasms (also referred to as West Syndrome) is a serious and rare form of epilepsy which affects infants. If not treated and diagnosed quickly, these seizures may result in developmental issues. As a parent, knowing the symptoms of infantile spasms could be a huge difference to your child’s development.
Infantile spasms: Symptoms and signs to look out for
The infantile spasms can be subtle and may be misinterpreted as normal movements in babies. But there are certain characteristics to be aware of:
The sudden jerks. The spasms are usually felt in the neck or upper part of a baby, which can cause them to rapidly lean forward. The legs and arms could also move rapidly.
Clustered episodes : These are jerks that occur in groups of spasms that are multiple over an insignificant amount of time (seconds to minutes). These clusters can occur repeatedly during the daytime.
Change of expression Babies can cry or appear startled during the movements.
The Power Of Video: Capturing Spasms of infants to detect early diagnoses
You need to act quickly when you suspect your child is experiencing infantile spasms. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on each and every minute. This is where recording a video could save your life:
Visual evidence. Recording your child having spasms in a series can help doctors in diagnosing the condition. These short-term events could not be noticed during a physician’s appointment.
The video will help doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms and differentiate them from other types or seizures.
The treatment process can be initiated earlier The early diagnosis could allow treatment to start sooner. This can reduce the chance of developmental delays associated with untreated infantile sprains.
If you suspect that your infant is experiencing spasms or arousals, immediately take action.
If you observe your baby being prone to infantile spasms
Record a video: Use your phone or camera to capture an accurate video of spasms, capturing as much detail as is possible.
Call your pediatrician promptly. It’s important to get your child in front of a pediatrician. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
If you require emergency medical attention In the event that immediate access to a pediatrician is unavailable, take your baby along with the video to the nearest emergency department that treats children.
Early intervention is crucial for securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms can lead to major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy as well as autism spectrum disorders. It is essential to recognize your child’s condition quickly and act immediately to increase the odds of recovery and milestones for your child. Many treatment options are available to treat infantile spasms ranging from pharmaceutical interventions and specialized diets and in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be warranted. If you address this issue promptly by implementing appropriate medical care, parents can enhance the likelihood of minimizing long-term damage and assist their child’s progression toward improved cognitive and motor functioning. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Videos
Don’t ignore your instincts when you suspect that something is wrong for your child. Always be aware. It’s important to be aware of the infantile spasms and symptoms, take a video of them if you happen to see them, and get immediate medical attention.