Infantile spasms can also be referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare, severe kind of epilepsy that can affect babies. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, these seizures could cause developmental problems. Knowing the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms is crucial for the long-term development of your child.
Be aware of the signs Signs of infantile spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some characteristics to be aware of:
Sudden jerks – The spasms usually affect the neck and the upper portion of the body. The result is that they move forward quickly. Legs and arms may also move rapidly.
The tend to be jerks that occur in groups of multiple spasms in the span of a few seconds (seconds to minutes). These clusters can happen repeatedly during the time of the day.
Change in expression: Babies may cry out or appear startled during the flashes.
The power of video: Capturing Infantile Spasms for the early diagnosis
If you suspect your baby may be experiencing infantile spasms, then time is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on the moment. The following are some instances where video recording can save lives:
Visual evidence. Recording your child having a cluster of spasms can help doctors to diagnose the problem. These short events are sometimes missed by doctors during an appointment.
The video can help doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms and to differentiate them from other types or seizures.
Treatment speed: Early diagnosis could provide a quick treatment which could reduce the developmental delay that result from untreated spasms among infants.
Do not wait. Take immediate action If You Think Your Child is Having Spasms
If you believe that your child may be experiencing the infantile spasms of their child, then
Video capture: Record the spasms using your phone or camera, and capture as many details as you can.
Call your pediatrician immediately In order to get your child checked by their pediatrician is crucial. Show the video and explain your concerns.
Bring your child along with the video to the nearest emergency room which provides care for children if you are required to seek emergency care.
Early intervention is essential in ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms have the potential to cause serious developmental setbacks and can cause a wide range of challenges such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. The rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial in maximizing the chance for your child’s recuperation and achieving typical milestones in development. There are many options for infantile spasms. This includes diets and pharmaceutical regimens. If the problem is very severe, surgery could be required. When addressing this problem with appropriate medical management early enough parents will increase the likelihood of minimizing negative long-term effects, and assist their child on his or their journey to improve motor and cognitive function.
Do not dismiss your instinctive sensations if there’s an indication that something might be wrong with your baby. Always prefer to be safe instead of being sorry. It is possible to help your child keep them healthy and happy by being informed of signs and symptoms of infantile strains. If you see them, you should take a picture and seek immediate medical attention.