Infantile spasms (also known as West Syndrome) is a severe and rare epilepsy which affects infants. If not addressed and diagnosed quickly, these seizures can lead to developmental issues. As a parent, being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms can be a huge difference for your child’s future.
The Signs to look out for: Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and can be easily misinterpreted as normal baby movements. But, there are certain characteristics to look out for:
Instinctive jerks usually involve the baby’s neck and upper body, causing them to flex forward rapidly. Legs and arms may be able to move swiftly.
Clustered episodes: These tend to be jerks that occur in groups of spasms that occur over the span of a few seconds (seconds to minutes). The clusters may occur frequently throughout the period of the day.
Babys may appear startled or cry during a rage of screams.
The Power Of Video: Capturing Spasms In infants for early diagnosis
It is imperative to act fast when you suspect your child is experiencing spasms in the infant. In order to get an early diagnosis and effective treatment, every second counts. This is where recording a video can save lives:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with a cluster of spasms can be incredibly helpful to doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. These small events can be missed at a doctor’s appointment.
A clear video aids doctors pinpoint infantile seizures. It also helps distinguish them from other types seizures, or normal movements for babies.
Treatment can begin sooner If a diagnosis is made early, it could enable treatment to begin faster. This may reduce the risk of developmental delay associated with untreated infantile sprains.
Do Something Now if You Are afraid of infantile spasms
If you see your baby with suspected infantile spasms
Record the video. Make use of your camera or smartphone to capture as detailed details of the spasms as possible.
Make an appointment with your pediatrician immediately. It’s crucial to get your child the presence of a doctor. The doctor should discuss your concerns and also share the video. Also, stress the urgency.
Bring your child along with the video to the nearest emergency center that provides care for children if you are required to seek urgent care.
Early Intervention is Key: Preserving your child’s future
Infantile spasms can result in major delays in development, such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. The rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to maximize the chances for your child’s healing and achieving the typical developmental milestones. There are a variety of treatment options for infantile spasms. They include diet and pharmaceutical regimens. If the problem is serious, surgery might be needed. Parents can assist their children to get better cognition and motor skills by addressing the problem promptly. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Do not ignore your gut feeling if you suspect there’s something not right with your child. It’s always better to be safe than being sorry. Your child can remain healthy and happy by educating yourself about signs and signs of infantile sprains. If you observe them, record a video and seek medical attention right away.