Infantile spasms (also referred to as West Syndrome) is a serious and uncommon epilepsy which affects infants. These seizures are short frequent jerks, which could cause lasting developmental problems in the event that they are not addressed and treated promptly. As a parent, knowing the signs of infantile spasms may make all the difference for your child’s future. Act today Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Be aware of the signs: Infantile spasms symptoms
Infantile spasms tend to be mild and could be misinterpreted as normal baby movements. However, there are some signs that you should be aware of:
Instinctive jerks typically affect the neck of the infant and its upper body, which causes them to bend their bodies quickly. The arms and legs can also be moved quickly.
In clustered episodes, these are usually seen in clusters of multiple spasms in brief time (seconds to minutes). These can be repeated throughout the period of the day.
Expression changes: Babies might cry or seem startled when they experience spasms.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms in Infants for Early Diagnoses
Time is crucial if you suspect your child could be suffering from spasms in the infant. Every second counts to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. The ability to record a video can save your life:
Visual evidence: By recording your child’s muscle spasms, you can offer doctors visual evidence to diagnose. These brief events may be missed at a doctor’s visit.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video lets doctors accurately diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures or normal infant movements.
Treatment speed: Early diagnosis could facilitate treatment in a short time, potentially minimizing developmental delays which are caused by non-treated spasms in infants.
If you suspect that your child has spasms, you must take action immediately.
If you see your baby with suspected infantile spasms
Capture video: Record the spasms with your phone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Get in touch with your pediatrician right away: Getting your child seen by a pediatrician can be crucial. Your concerns should be explained and share the video. Be sure to emphasize the urgency.
It is imperative to seek urgent emergency treatment, if necessary. If you cannot reach your pediatric physician immediately, bring your baby and the video to an emergency facility nearby for children.
Early Intervention is the key to Protecting Your Child’s Future
The effects of infantile spasms could be major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. It is important to diagnose your child’s symptoms quickly and intervene immediately to maximize the odds of recovery and milestones for your child. The treatment for infantile spasms is through a variety of approaches such as diet and lifestyle changes to medications. For more serious cases it may require surgery. Parents can assist their children to achieve improved cognitive and motor performance by addressing the problem promptly.
Remember: Don’t ignore the instincts of your body if you suspect that something is not right with your child. It’s always safer to be sure rather than sorry. Your child can keep them healthy and happy by educating yourself about signs and signs of infantile sprains. If you observe them, make a video and seek immediate medical attention.