Infantile spasms (also known as West Syndrome) is a severe and uncommon epilepsy that is affecting infants. These seizures are brief, repetitive jerks that can result in long-term developmental issues in the event that they are not addressed and treated quickly. Understanding the symptoms and signs of infantile spasms can be crucial to the future of your child.
Look for the signs These symptoms are: infantile spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are specific characteristics to look out for:
The sudden jerks. The spasms are usually experienced in the neck and upper part of a child, which prompts them to quickly lean to the side. The legs and arms could also move rapidly.
Acute episodes: These tend to occur in clusters of multiple spasms in the span of a few seconds (seconds to minutes). The spasms in these clusters may occur throughout the entire day.
Babies can appear agitated or cry when they are in a spasm.
The Power Of Video: Capturing Spasms of infants for early diagnosis
If you suspect your baby might be experiencing infantile spasms, then time is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every second. Here are a few scenarios where recording video can save lives:
Visual evidence: Documenting your child’s experience with a series of spasms provides doctors with an invaluable evidence-based visual proof to diagnose. These brief events may be overlooked during a doctor’s visit.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other types of seizures, or normal baby movements.
Treatment can begin sooner The early diagnosis could help treatment begin quicker. This could lower 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 notice your child suffering from suspected infantile spasms,
Take videos. Make use of your camera or phone to capture as detailed details of the spasms as is possible.
Get in touch with your pediatrician as soon as possible. It’s important to get your child front of a pediatrician. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
Bring your child and the video to the nearest emergency room which is geared towards children, if you have to seek emergency care.
Early Intervention is the key to safeguarding your child’s future
Infantile spasms are a potential reason for developmental difficulties including cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. In order to optimize your child’s odds of regaining and reaching developmental milestones it is crucial that you identify and treat them promptly. The treatment for infantile spasms is with a variety including diet changes, to medications. In more severe cases it may require surgery. By addressing the issue with the appropriate medical treatment early enough parents can improve the chance of minimizing negative long-term effects, and assist their child on his or her journey to improved motor and cognitive performance.
Never ignore your gut instinct whenever you feel that something could be wrong with your child. It is always better to be cautious instead of sorry. By being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms, capturing a video if you witness the signs, and seeking immediate medical attention, it is possible to take crucial steps towards ensuring your child’s health as well as his future wellbeing.