Infantile spasms is also known as West syndrome. It is a rare, severe form of epilepsy affecting infants. If not diagnosed and treated early enough, seizures can cause developmental problems. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms is crucial for the development of your child.
The signs and symptoms of infantile spasms. signs to look out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some signs to keep in mind:
Rapid jerks. The spasms are typically felt in the neck or upper part of a baby, which causes them to move to the side. The legs and arms could also flex or extend rapidly.
The are usually seen in clusters of a number of spasms over a short period (seconds to minutes). These can happen in a series throughout the day.
Change of expression: Babies may cry out or seem agitated during flashes.
The power of video Capturing Infantile Spasms to aid in Early Diagnosis
You should act fast should you suspect that your child may be experiencing spasms in the infant. Every second counts when it comes to ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Here are some instances when recording video can help save lives:
Visual evidence When you document your child’s spasms, you can give doctors valuable visual evidence to diagnose. Sometimes, these brief moments can go unnoticed during a doctor’s appointment.
The video will enable doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms, and also distinguish the different types or seizures.
Treatment speed: Early diagnosis could facilitate treatment in a short time and may help to reduce developmental delays caused by untreated spasms among infants.
Don’t wait: Take Urgent Action If You suspect that you are experiencing infantile spasms
If you suspect that your child might be suffering from infantile spasms, you should:
Video capture using your phone or camera to record an uncluttered video of the spasms, recording as much detail as you can.
Contact your pediatrician right away. It’s important to get your child in the presence of a pediatrician. The doctor should discuss your concerns and then share the video. Make sure you emphasize the urgency.
If you require emergency medical attention In the event that immediate access to your pediatrician unavailable, take your baby and the video recorder to the closest emergency facility which treats children.
Early intervention is the most important factor for ensuring the future of your child.
Infantile spasms can result in major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. In order to optimize your child’s chance of regaining and achieving developmental milestones, it is imperative to recognize and treat them immediately. Infantile spasms can be treated in a variety of ways that range from diet modifications to pharmaceuticals. If the condition is more severe it may require surgery. Parents can aid their children improve their cognition and motor skills by addressing the issue promptly.
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss your gut feeling if you suspect that something is going on with your baby. Always better to be safe instead of sorry. It is important to know infantile spasms ‘ symptoms, make footage of them in case you happen to see them, and get immediate medical attention.