Infantile spasms is also known as West syndrome. It is a rare and serious form of epilepsy affecting babies. These seizures are brief frequent jerks, which could cause lasting developmental problems should they not be treated quickly. As a parent, knowing the symptoms of infantile spasms can be a huge difference to your child’s development.
Infantile spasms: Symptoms and indications to be on the lookout for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some specific traits to look for:
Sudden jerks – The spasms typically affect the neck and upper body. This causes them to lean forward rapidly. Furthermore, the legs and arms can flex or stretch quickly.
Clustered episodes : These jerks can occur in groups of multiple spasms over an insignificant amount of time (seconds to a minute). These clusters can occur repeatedly throughout the day.
Expression changes Babies can cry or appear agitated during spasms.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile Spasms to aid in Early Diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby might be experiencing infantile spasms, time is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on the moment. Here are some instances when video recording could help save lives:
Visual evidence. The recording of your child’s having the spasms for a long time can be incredibly useful to doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. These brief events may be missed during a doctor’s visit.
A clear video helps doctors to accurately identify infantile seizures and differentiate them from other kinds of seizures, or normal movement in babies.
Swifter treatment: A prompt diagnosis enables treatment to begin swiftly possibly reducing the risk of developmental delays resulting from untreated infantile spasms.
Don’t wait: Take Urgent Action If you suspect infantile spasms
If you think that your child might be suffering from infantile spasms then:
Capture video: Record the spasms by using your smartphone or camera, and then capture as much detail as you can.
Contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. It is essential that your child visit their doctor. Explain your concerns, share the video recording, and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Seek emergency care if necessary If access to your pediatrician is not possible, bring your child and the video recorder to the nearest emergency facility that treats children.
Early intervention is crucial to safeguarding your child’s future
Infantile spasms can be a source of developmental issues including cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. It is crucial to identify your child quickly and intervene immediately to maximize the chance of healing and milestones your child will experience. Spasms in infants can be treated with a variety including diet changes, to medications. In more severe cases surgeries may be required. Parents can aid their children attain improved cognition and motor skills by addressing the condition promptly.
Do not dismiss your instinctive sensations if there’s the suspicion that something could be wrong with the baby. Always better to be safe instead of being unlucky. It is possible to help your child keep them healthy and happy by being aware of the signs and signs of infantile sprains. If you notice them, record a video and seek medical attention right away.