Infantile spasms (also referred to as West Syndrome) is a serious and uncommon form of epilepsy that is affecting infants. These seizures are short and repetitive, but they can cause long-lasting developmental issues when not treated and diagnosed promptly. As a parent, understanding the symptoms of infantile spasms could have a profound impact to your child’s development.
Spotting the Signs The Symptoms of Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some characteristics to look out for:
The sudden jerks. The spasms can be experienced in the neck and upper body of a baby, which prompts them to quickly turn inward. The legs and arms can also move quickly.
A cluster of episodes : These jerks can occur in groups of spasms with multiple spasms, over a short duration (seconds to minutes). The clusters can occur repeatedly throughout the day.
Change of expression Babies might cry or look agitated during flashes.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile Spasms Early Diagnosis
It is imperative to act quickly if believe your child might have spasms in the infant. Every moment counts in ensuring early diagnosis and treatment. This is where recording a video could save your life:
Visual evidence: Recording your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms can provide doctors with invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. Sometimes, these small incidents can be overlooked in a doctor’s visit.
A clear video helps doctors to accurately identify infantile seizures and differentiate them with other types of seizures, or normal movements in infants.
Faster treatment: A quick diagnosis enables treatment to be initiated quickly and reduces the chance of developmental delays associated with untreated infantile spasms.
If you suspect that your infant is experiencing spasms, take immediate action.
If you think that your child may be experiencing infantile spasms then:
Capture video: Take a video of the spasms on your phone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Call your pediatrician promptly. It’s essential to get your child in the presence of a doctor. Show the video and explain your concerns.
You should seek immediate emergency treatment, if necessary. If you can’t reach your pediatrician right away, take your infant and the video to an emergency room nearby for children.
Early intervention is essential to safeguarding your child’s future
Spasms in infants can be a cause of developmental challenges like cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. It is vital to determine the condition of your child quickly and intervene immediately to increase the odds of recovery and milestones for your child. There are a variety of treatment options available to treat infantile spasms including pharmaceutical treatments to specialized dietary regimens, and in the more serious cases the need for surgery might be required. By addressing the issue quickly through appropriate medical management, parents can enhance the likelihood of minimizing the long-term negative effects and aiding their child’s progress toward improved cognitive and motor functioning.
Do not ignore your gut whenever you feel that something could be wrong in your child. Always be cautious. By being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms, taking a video if you see them, and seeking urgent medical attention, you can make crucial steps to ensure your child’s health and wellbeing.