Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious epilepsy condition that affects babies. If not dealt with and diagnosed early enough, seizures can result in developmental issues. As a parent, being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms can be a huge difference to your child’s development.
Be aware of the signs The symptoms of infantile spasms are
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But there are some specific characteristics to keep in mind:
Sudden jerks. The spasms are usually felt in the neck or upper part of a newborn baby. This causes them to quickly bend to the side. Also, legs and arms can flex or stretch quickly.
Clustered episodes: These tend to occur in clusters of multiple spasms in brief time (seconds to minutes). These clusters may happen repeatedly throughout the day.
Babies can appear agitated or cry out during spasms.
The Power of Video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early diagnosis
It is essential to be on the lookout for time if you think your child might be suffering from infantile spasms. Every second counts when it comes to ensuring an early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some instances when video recordings can help save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping track of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms can provide doctors with invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. These small events can be overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video lets doctors accurately diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures or normal baby movement.
Quicker treatment: An immediate diagnosis enables the treatment to start quickly possibly reducing the risk of developmental delays associated with non-treated infantile spasms.
Take Action Now if You Suspect Infantile Spastics
If you suspect your baby is experiencing infantile spasms, you should be concerned.
Capture video: Take a video of the spasms by using your smartphone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Call your pediatrician as quick as you can. It is important that your child sees their physician. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
Find emergency help if required In the event that immediate access to a pediatrician is not possible, bring your child and the video recording to the closest emergency center which treats children.
Early intervention is the key for ensuring the future of your child.
Spasms in infants can be a source of developmental issues that include cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. To increase your child’s chances of recovering and achieving developmental milestones, it is vital to recognize and treat them immediately. Various treatment modalities exist for addressing infantile spasms, ranging from pharmaceutical interventions to special diets and in extreme cases it is possible that surgical intervention is necessary. By addressing the issue with the appropriate medical treatment early enough, parents can increase the likelihood of minimizing adverse effects over time and aiding their child along the path to improving motor and cognitive functioning.
Always listen to your gut if you think something is wrong with your child. Always prefer to be safe rather than sorry. By being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms, capturing a video if you see them, and seeking immediate medical attention, you will be able to take vital steps towards ensuring your child’s health as well as his future wellbeing.