Infantile spasms are also referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare, serious form of epilepsy affecting babies. These seizures are short frequent jerks, which could result in long-term developmental issues when not treated and diagnosed quickly. As a parent, knowing the signs of infantile spasms may have a profound impact for your child’s future.
Look for the signs: Infantile spasms symptoms
Infantile spasms are often subtle and can be mistaken as normal infant movements. However, there are some characteristics to keep in mind:
The sudden jerks. The spasms are usually experienced in the neck and upper body of a newborn baby. This can cause them to rapidly turn inward. The legs and arms could also move rapidly.
In clustered episodes, the are jerks that occur in groups of several spasms in an insignificant amount of time (seconds to a minute). These clusters can happen repeatedly during the daytime.
Change in expression Babies can cry or appear agitated during movements.
The Power of Video The Power of Video: Capturing Infantile spasms for early diagnosis
Time is crucial if you think your child might be experiencing spasms in the infant. Every second counts to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Video recording could help save your life
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with spasms in a series can help doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. These minor events can be missed during a doctor’s appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video can help doctors identify infantile spasms and differentiate them from other types of seizures or normal infant movement.
Treatment can begin sooner If a diagnosis is made early, it could help treatment begin faster. This could lower the chance of developmental delays associated with untreated infantile sprains.
If you suspect infantile spasms, take immediate action.
If you see your baby with suspected infantile spasms
Capture video: Take a video of the spasms using your phone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Call your pediatrician as quick as possible. It is imperative that your child sees their physician. Explain your concerns, share the video, and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
If you require emergency medical attention: If immediate access to your pediatrician is not possible, bring your child and the video footage to the closest emergency department which treats children.
Early intervention is essential in ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms can lead to major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. Quick diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial to improve the odds of your child’s recovery and achieving typical developmental milestones. Infantile spasms can be treated by a variety of methods that range from diet modifications to prescription medications. In more serious cases it may require surgery. Parents can aid their children achieve improved cognition and motor skills by addressing the problem whenever possible. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Videos
Remember: Don’t ignore your gut feeling if you suspect something might be not right with your child. It’s always safer to be cautious than sorry. You can help your child stay healthy and happy by educating yourself about signs and symptoms of infantile strains. If you notice them, make a video and get medical attention immediately.