Infantile spasms also known as West syndrome is a rare and serious epilepsy condition that affects infants. These seizures are brief frequent jerks, which could result in long-term developmental issues should they not be treated quickly. Being aware of the indicators of infantile jerks parents can make a huge difference in your child’s life.
The Signs to look out for Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But there are some specific characteristics to look out for:
Rapid jerks. The spasms are typically felt in the neck or upper part of a newborn baby. This can cause them to rapidly lean to the side. Also, the legs and arms could bend or stretch rapidly.
Infrequent episodes: These spasms are often grouped together in an extremely short amount of time (seconds or even minutes). These spasm clusters could be experienced throughout the all day.
Change in expression: Babies may cry or look a bit shocked when they are experiencing spasms.
The power of video The Power of Video: Capturing Infantile spasms for an early diagnosis
The timing is critical if you suspect that your child may be suffering from infantile spasms. In order to ensure early diagnosis and a successful treatment, every second counts. Here are a few scenarios where video recording can save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms can provide doctors with crucial evidence to make a diagnosis. These short events are sometimes overlooked by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: Clear video can help doctors identify infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures, or normal baby movement.
Faster treatment: A quick diagnosis allows for treatment to be initiated quickly and reduces the chance of developmental delays associated with non-treated infantile spasms.
Do not wait. Take immediate action If you suspect infantile spasms
If you notice your child suffering from suspected infantile spasms,
Capture video: Take a video of the spasms by using your smartphone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Contact your pediatrician as soon as you can. It is imperative that your child visit their doctor. Explain your concerns, share the video, and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Bring your child along with the video to the closest emergency room that treats children if you need to seek medical attention in an emergency.
Early Intervention is the most important factor for ensuring the future of your child.
Infantile spasms can lead to major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders. It is crucial to identify your child’s condition quickly and act immediately to increase the likelihood of recovery and milestones your child will experience. There are a variety of treatment options for infantile spasms. This includes diets and pharmaceutical regimens. If the issue is severe, surgery may be required. By promptly addressing this condition by implementing appropriate medical care, parents increase the chance of minimizing long-term effects and facilitating their child’s journey toward improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Remember: Don’t ignore the instincts of your body if you suspect there’s something going on with your baby. It is always better to be cautious rather than sorry. It’s essential to know the infantile spasms and symptoms, take an image of them when you notice these signs and seek medical care.
