Infantile spasms (also called West Syndrome) is a serious and uncommon epilepsy that is affecting infants. The seizures are short and repetitive jerks, which could result in developmental issues in the future if not treated and diagnosed promptly. As a parent, being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms could make all the 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 characteristics to keep in mind:
A sudden jerk. The spasms can be experienced in the neck and upper body of a child, which causes them to quickly lean inward. Arms and legs may be able to extend or bend quickly.
The are jerks that occur in groups of multiple spasms over the course of a brief time (seconds to a minute). These clusters of spasms may happen throughout the entire day.
Babys may appear startled or cry out during spasms.
The Power Of Video: Capturing Spasms and Movements in infants for diagnosis earlier
If you think your baby might be experiencing infantile spasms then time is of the essence. In order to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment, every second counts. Here are a few instances where video recordings can save lives:
Visual evidence. Recording your child having an escalating series of spasms could be incredibly useful to doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. These short-term events could be overlooked during a doctor’s appointment.
The video will enable doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms and also distinguish the different types of seizures.
Rapider treatment: A rapid diagnosis allows treatment to be initiated quickly which could reduce the risk of developmental delays that are associated with untreated infantile spasms.
Don’t Wait: Urgent Steps If You suspect that you are experiencing infantile spasms
If you notice your child suffering from suspected infantile spasms,
Video recording: Record the spasms by using your smartphone or camera, and capture as much detail as you can.
Call your pediatrician as quick as you can. It is essential that your child visit their physician. Explain your concerns, share the video, and stress the urgency of the situation.
Take your child and the video to the closest emergency room that provides care for children if you are required to seek medical attention in an emergency.
Early intervention is vital to safeguarding your child’s future
Infantile spasms have the potential to cause serious developmental setbacks and can cause a wide range of difficulties, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. Swift diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve the odds for your child’s healing and achieving the typical milestones in development. Spasms in infants can be treated with a variety, from dietary changes to prescription medications. For more serious cases it may require surgery. By addressing the issue through appropriate medical management as quickly as possible, parents can increase chances of minimizing the any long-term consequences and assisting their child along her journey to improved motor and cognitive function.
Do not ignore your gut senses when there is an inkling that something might be wrong with your baby. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. It’s important to know the infantile spasms symptoms, capture videos of them if you see these signs and seek medical care.