Infantile spasms, formerly known as West syndrome is a rare, severe form of epilepsy that affects babies. The seizures are short, repetitive jerks which can cause developmental problems later on if not treated and diagnosed promptly. As a parent, knowing the signs of infantile spasms may be a huge difference for your child’s future.
The signs and symptoms of infantile spasms. warning signs to watch out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some signs to be aware of:
Sudden jerks – The spasms typically affect the neck as well as upper body. This causes them to bend quickly forward. Also, the legs and arms can flex or stretch out rapidly.
Spasms that are clustered: These episodes tend to be grouped in a short time (seconds or minutes). These clusters can happen repeatedly throughout the period of the day.
Babies may look agitated or cry out in spasms.
The power of video: Capturing Infantile Spasms for early diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby might be having infantile spasms or other issues, time is of the essence. Every second counts to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Capturing a video could save your life:
Visual evidence When you document your child’s movements, you can give doctors valuable visual evidence that can help them diagnose. These small events can be not noticed by doctors at an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: Clear video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures as well as normal baby movements.
The treatment process can be initiated earlier: An early diagnosis may enable treatment to begin sooner. This can reduce the chance of developing delays associated with untreated infantile sprains.
If you suspect infantile spasms, take immediate action.
If you observe your baby with suspected infantile spasms
Capture a video Utilize your phone or camera to take an uncluttered video of the spasms. Make sure you record as much detail as is possible.
Make contact with your pediatrician as quickly as possible. It is imperative that your child sees their pediatrician. Share the video and explain your concerns.
Bring your child and the video to the nearest emergency room that takes care of children in the event that you require to seek out emergency medical attention.
Early intervention is crucial: Making sure your child is protected for the future
Infantile spasms could be the cause to cause serious developmental setbacks which can result in a range of challenges such as autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. It is essential to recognize your child’s condition quickly and act immediately in order to maximize the chances of recovery and milestones your child will experience. Spasms in infants can be treated in a variety of ways that range from diet modifications to medications. In more serious cases, surgery may be required. When you tackle this issue as soon as it is detected with the appropriate medical treatment, parents can enhance the likelihood of minimizing the long-term negative effects as well as assisting their child’s path towards improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Do not ignore your gut when you suspect that something is wrong in your child. It’s always safer to be cautious instead of being sorry. It is possible to help your child stay healthy and happy by being informed about the signs and symptoms of infantile sprains. If you notice them, you should take a picture and get medical attention immediately.