Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious type of epilepsy that affects babies. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, these seizures can cause developmental problems. Understanding the symptoms and signs of infantile spasms can be crucial for the long-term development of your child.
Infantile spasms: Signs and indications to be on the lookout for
Infantile spasms tend to be mild and can be mistaken as normal movements in babies. But there are certain characteristics to look out for:
Rapid jerks. The spasms are usually felt in the neck or upper body of a child, which causes them to quickly lean inward. The legs and arms could also be moved quickly.
Clustered episodes: These jerks often occur in clusters of several spasms within brief time (seconds to minutes). These clusters may happen repeatedly throughout the day.
Modification of expression: Babies may cry out or look agitated during movements.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile spasms for Early Diagnosis
If you suspect your baby might be suffering from infantile spasms, time is crucial. In order to get an early diagnosis and a successful treatment, every second counts. The ability to record a video can save your life:
Visual evidence. Noting that your child is experiencing spasms in a series can be incredibly helpful to doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. These short-term events could not be noticed during a physician’s appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video allows doctors to accurately diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other types of seizures or normal infant movement.
Treatment could begin earlier A diagnosis early could enable treatment to begin quicker. This could lower the risk of developmental delay that is caused by untreated infantile sprains.
Do not wait. Take immediate action If You suspect that you are experiencing infantile spasms
If you observe your baby being prone to infantile spasms
Take a video. Utilize your camera or phone to capture as as much detail of the spasms as possible.
Contact your pediatrician immediately Get your child examined by a pediatrician can be crucial. Communicate your concerns, send the video footage, and stress the urgency of the situation.
It is imperative to seek urgent emergency medical assistance, if you need it. If you are unable to reach your pediatrician right away, take the baby and video recording to a nearby emergency department for children.
Early Intervention is the key to Protecting Your Child’s Future
Infantile spasms are able to cause serious developmental setbacks, encompassing a spectrum of problems, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. It is vital to determine the condition of your child promptly and intervene immediately in order to maximize the likelihood of recovery and milestones your child will experience. The treatment for infantile spasms is through a variety of approaches, from dietary changes to pharmaceuticals. In more serious cases surgical intervention may be necessary. Parents can help their children achieve improved cognitive and motor functioning by treating the problem early enough.
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss your instincts when you think there’s something not right with your child. Always be aware. It’s essential to know the signs of infantile spasms, and take footage of them in case you happen to see these signs and seek medical attention.