Infantile spasms (also known as West Syndrome) is a severe and rare epilepsy which affects infants. These seizures are brief and repetitive, but they can cause long-lasting developmental issues if not diagnosed and treated promptly. As a parent you must be aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms can make all the difference to your child’s development.
Spasms in infants: symptoms and warning signs to watch out for
Infantile spasms can be difficult to distinguish from normal baby movements. However, there are some specific traits to look for:
Sudden jerks. The spasms are usually experienced in the neck and upper body of a newborn, which prompts them to quickly bend forward. The arms and legs can also move quickly.
Clustered episodes: These spasms are usually grouped together over a short time (seconds or even minutes). These clusters of spasms may occur at any time during the entire day.
Babies may look agitated or cry out during spasms.
The Power Of Video: Capturing Spasms in Infants for Early Diagnoses
If you think your child might be suffering from infantile spasms, time is crucial. To ensure prompt diagnosis and a successful treatment, every second counts. Here are some instances when video recording can save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child experiencing a cluster of spasms gives doctors invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. Sometimes, these short instances can be missed in a doctor’s visit.
The video can help doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms and to differentiate them from other types or seizures.
Rapid treatment: Early diagnosis can provide a quick treatment, potentially minimizing developmental delays that result from untreated spasms in infants.
Don’t put off: Take Action If You suspect that you are experiencing infantile spasms
If you see your baby experiencing infantile spasms, you should be concerned.
Capture a video: Use your phone or camera to take a clear video of the spasms, capturing the most detail you can.
Make contact with your pediatrician as quickly as you can. It is important that your child sees your pediatrician. Discuss your concerns, provide the video and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Bring your child and the video to the nearest emergency room which treats children if you need to seek emergency care.
Early Intervention is the first step to safeguarding your child’s future
Infantile spasms are a potential source of developmental issues like cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. It is vital to determine the condition of your child’s symptoms quickly and intervene promptly to increase the chance of healing and milestones for your child. There are a variety of treatment options available for infantile spasms. This includes diets and medication regimens. If the problem is serious, surgery may be required. When you tackle this issue as soon as it is detected through appropriate medical management parents increase the chance of mitigating long-term consequences as well as assisting their child’s path toward improved cognitive and motor functioning. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss the instincts of your body if you suspect there’s something wrong with your baby. Always be cautious. It’s essential to be aware of infantile spasms and symptoms, take videos of them if you observe them and seek immediate medical care.