Infantile spasms (also called West Syndrome) is a severe and uncommon form of epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are short and repetitive jerks, which could create developmental issues in the future if not treated and diagnosed promptly. Knowing the signs of infantile jerks when you are a parent can make a huge difference in your child’s life.
Identifying the Signs: Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some characteristics to look out for:
A sudden jerk. The spasms are generally experienced in the neck and upper part of a child, which causes them to quickly lean inward. The legs and arms can also move rapidly.
In clustered episodes, these tend to be jerks that occur in groups of a number of spasms over the span of a few seconds (seconds to minutes). The clusters may occur frequently during the period of the day.
Babies may look agitated or cry during a rage of screams.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile spasms for Early diagnosis
You must act swiftly if you think your child is suffering from spasms in the infant. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every second. The ability to record a video can save your life:
Visual evidence. Recording your child having an escalating series of spasms could be extremely helpful to doctors in diagnosing the condition. These short events are sometimes not noticed by doctors at an appointment.
A clear video can help doctors pinpoint infantile seizures, and help distinguish them with other types of seizures, or normal movement for babies.
Rapid treatment: Early detection can allow for rapid treatment possibly reducing developmental delays that result from untreated spasms in infants.
Don’t Wait: Urgent Steps If you suspect infantile spasms
If you are concerned that your child might be suffering from infantile spasms then:
Capture video: Record the spasms with your phone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Get in touch with your pediatrician as fast as you can. It is imperative that your child is seen by your pediatrician. The doctor should discuss your concerns and share the video. Additionally, emphasize the urgency.
Bring your child and the video to the nearest emergency center that is geared towards children, if you have to seek medical attention in an emergency.
Early intervention is crucial for securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms can cause serious developmental delays, such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. It is vital to determine the condition of your child promptly and intervene immediately to maximize the chance of healing and milestones your child will experience. There are a variety of treatment options available for infantile spasms. This includes diets and pharmaceutical regimens. If the problem is serious, surgery may be needed. By promptly addressing this condition through appropriate medical management parents can enhance the likelihood of minimizing the long-term negative effects and aiding their child’s progress toward improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Be aware of your instincts if you suspect that something is going on with your baby. Always be aware. If you are aware of symptoms of infantile spasms recording a video when you notice them, and seeking immediate medical attention, you will be able to be proactive in ensuring your child’s health and future health.