Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome is a rare and severe epilepsy type that affects infants. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, these seizures could cause developmental problems. Understanding the symptoms and signs of infantile spasms is crucial for the long-term development of your child.
Spasms in infants: symptoms and indications to be on the lookout for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. There are specific warning signs to look out for.
Rapid jerks. The spasms are generally felt in the neck or upper part of a baby, which causes them to quickly lean forward. Also, legs and arms could bend or stretch quickly.
Clustered episodes: These spasms typically occur in brief periods of time (seconds or even minutes). The clusters may occur frequently throughout the period of the day.
Change of expression Babies might cry or appear startled during the flashes.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early Diagnosis
You need to act quickly should you suspect that your child may be experiencing infantile spasms. In order to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment, each second counts. Here are a few instances where video recording could save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child experiencing a cluster of spasms can provide doctors with crucial evidence to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, these brief moments can go unnoticed when a doctor’s appointment is scheduled.
The video can help doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms, and distinguish the different types or seizures.
Treatment can begin sooner A diagnosis early could permit treatment to commence quicker. This could reduce the risk of developmental delay associated with untreated infantile sprains.
Do Something Now if You suspect that your child has spastics
If you suspect that your child might be suffering from infantile spasms then:
Record a video Utilize your phone or camera to record a clear video of the spasms. Make sure you record as much detail as is possible.
Get in touch with your pediatrician right away: Getting your child seen by a doctor is vital. The doctor should discuss your concerns and share the video. Make sure you emphasize the importance of this appointment.
If you require emergency medical attention In the event that immediate access to a pediatrician is not available, then take your baby along with the video to the closest emergency facility that cares for children.
Early intervention is crucial in ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms could be the cause to cause significant developmental delays and can cause a wide range of challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. Swift diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve the odds for your child’s healing and attaining normal milestones in development. There are many treatment options for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medication regimens. If the issue is serious, surgery may be needed. By addressing the issue through appropriate medical management as quickly as possible, parents can increase the likelihood of minimizing any long-term consequences and assisting their child on his or her path to better cognitive and motor function.
Don’t ignore your instincts If you believe that something might be wrong for your child. It’s always better to be secure rather than regretting. It is important to know the infantile spasms and symptoms, take an image of them when you happen to see them and seek immediate medical attention.