Infantile spasms (also known as West Syndrome) is a serious and rare epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are short, repetitive jerks which can cause developmental issues in the future if not addressed and treated immediately. As a parent, being aware of the signs of infantile spasms can make all the difference for your child’s future.
Spotting the Signs Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some specific characteristics to look out for:
Sudden jerks. The spasms are typically felt in the neck or upper body of a newborn baby. This causes them to quickly bend inward. Legs and arms may extend or flex rapidly.
The jerks often occur in clusters of multiple spasms in brief time (seconds to minutes). These clusters of spasms may occur at any time during the daytime.
Change of expression: Babies might cry or seem startled when they experience spasms.
The power of video Capturing Infantile Spasms Early Diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby might be having infantile spasms, then time is of the essence. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every second. This is where recording a video can save lives:
Visual evidence If you record your child’s movements, you will provide your doctor with important images to aid in diagnosing. These short events are sometimes not noticed by doctors at an appointment.
The video will help doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms, and to differentiate the different types or seizures.
Quicker treatment: An immediate diagnosis enables treatment to begin quickly and reduces the chance of delays in development that can be caused by non-treated infantile spasms.
If you suspect that your infant is experiencing spasms, take immediate action.
If you see your baby being prone to infantile spasms, the following symptoms may be present:
Record the video. Utilize your camera or phone to record as detailed details of the spasms as possible.
Contact your pediatrician right away. It’s important to bring your child in the presence of a pediatrician. The doctor should discuss your concerns and then share the video. Additionally, emphasize the urgency.
You should seek immediate emergency care, if needed. If you cannot reach your pediatrician immediately, take your baby and the video to a nearby emergency department for children.
Early Intervention is essential: Protecting Your Child’s Future
Infantile spasms can lead to major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. It is vital to determine the condition of your child promptly and intervene immediately to increase the chance of healing and milestones your child will experience. Infantile spasms can be addressed by a variety of methods such as diet and lifestyle changes or medications. For more serious cases, surgery may be required. Parents can aid their children achieve improved motor and cognitive functioning by addressing the condition promptly.
Don’t ignore your instincts If you believe that something might be wrong for your child. Always prefer to be safe instead of being unlucky. It is possible to help your child stay healthy and happy by being aware of the signs and symptoms of infantile injuries. If you see them, you should take a picture and seek medical attention right away.