Infantile spasms also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious epilepsy condition that affects babies. These seizures are short frequent jerks and can result in developmental issues later on if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms is crucial for the future of your child.
Spot the signs Signs of infantile spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some signs to look out for:
Sudden jerks – The spasms typically affect the neck and upper body. They move forward quickly. Legs and arms may also be moved quickly.
Infrequent episodes: These spasms are often grouped together in the space of a few minutes (seconds or even minutes). These clusters can happen repeatedly during the period of the day.
Expression changes: Babies may cry or look a bit shocked when they experience spasms.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile spasms to Early diagnosis
It is essential to be on the lookout for time if you suspect that your child may have infantile spasms. The early diagnosis and treatment is dependent on every second. Video recording could save your life:
Visual evidence: By recording your child’s movements, you can offer doctors visual evidence to help diagnose. These brief events can be overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video lets doctors accurately diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other types of seizures or normal baby movements.
Rapid treatment: Early diagnosis can provide a quick treatment possibly reducing developmental delays that result from untreated spasms that occur in infants.
Do Something Now if You suspect that your child has spastics
If you see your baby having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Make an audio or video. Use your camera, or phone to record as much detail of the spasms as you can.
Contact your pediatrician right away. It’s important to get your child in front of a pediatrician. The doctor should discuss your concerns and provide the video. Also, stress the importance of this appointment.
Take your child and the video to the nearest emergency room which treats children if you need to seek out emergency medical attention.
Early intervention is key to protecting your child’s future
Infantile spasms could be the cause to cause significant developmental delays and can cause a wide range of problems, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. It is important to diagnose your child promptly and intervene immediately to maximize the chances of recovery and milestones your child will experience. There are a variety of treatment options for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medication regimens. If the problem is serious, surgery may be required. Parents can help their children get better motor and cognitive functioning by addressing the problem promptly.
Don’t ignore your instincts If you believe that something might be wrong with your child. Always be aware. If you are aware of symptoms of infantile spasms recording a video when you witness the signs, and seeking immediate medical attention, you are able to be proactive in ensuring your child’s health and well-being.