Infantile spasms can also be referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare and serious form of epilepsy that is common in infants. If not dealt with and diagnosed early enough, seizures can lead to developmental issues. As a parent, knowing the signs of infantile spasms may have a profound impact to your child’s development.
Look for the signs The symptoms of infantile spasms are
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. There are specific indications to be on the lookout for.
Rapid jerks: These spasms typically involve the neck and upper body, which causes them to bend forward quickly. Arms and legs may extend or flex rapidly.
In clustered episodes, the jerks can occur in groups of several spasms in the course of a brief time (seconds to a minute). These clusters may happen repeatedly throughout the day.
Babies may look agitated or cry when they are in a spasm.
The power of video Capturing Infantile Spasms to aid in an early diagnosis
It is imperative to act fast when you suspect your child is suffering from spasms in the infant. In order to get an early diagnosis and effective treatment, each second counts. The ability to record a video can save your life:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with a cluster of spasms can be incredibly useful to doctors in diagnosing the condition. These small events can be overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures as well as normal baby movements.
Treatment may begin earlier: An early diagnosis may enable treatment to begin sooner. This could reduce the risk of developmental delay that is caused by untreated infantile sprains.
Do Something Now if You suspect that your child has spastics
If you notice your child having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Create an audio or video. Use your camera, or phone to record as much detail of the spasms as is possible.
Call your pediatrician as quick as possible. It is imperative that your child sees their physician. Discuss your concerns, provide the video recording, and stress the urgency of the situation.
Seek emergency care if necessary: If immediate access to your pediatrician not available, then take your baby and the video footage to the nearest emergency department that treats children.
Early intervention is the first step to ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms can be a reason for developmental difficulties like cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. The rapid diagnosis and treatment are paramount in optimizing the prospects for your child’s recovery and achieving the typical milestones in development. There are many treatment options for infantile spasms. They include diet and medical regimens. If the issue is very severe, surgery could be required. If you address this issue promptly with the appropriate medical treatment, parents can enhance the likelihood of minimizing the long-term negative effects and facilitating their child’s journey toward better motor and cognitive functioning.
Don’t be afraid to listen to your sensations if there’s a suspicion that something may be wrong with your baby. Always be vigilant. If you are aware of signs of infantile spasms recording a video in the event that you observe them, and seeking immediate medical attention, it is possible to make crucial steps to ensure your child’s safety and health.