Infantile spasms are also referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare, severe form of epilepsy that is common in infants. These seizures are brief repeated jerks that can create developmental issues in the future if not identified and treated quickly. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms are crucial for the long-term development of your child.
Look for the signs: Infantile spasms symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some specific features to be able to spot:
Rapid jerks: These spasms usually involve the neck of the infant as well as its upper body, which causes them to bend quickly. Also, legs and arms could bend or stretch out rapidly.
Infrequent episodes: These spasms typically occur in an extremely short amount of time (seconds or even minutes). These clusters of spasms can be experienced throughout the entire day.
Expression changes: Babies may cry or look a bit shocked when they experience spasms.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms and Movements in infants to detect early diagnoses
You must act swiftly if you think your child is experiencing spasms in the infant. In order to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment, every second counts. Capturing a video could help save your life
Visual evidence. Recording your child having a cluster of spasms can be extremely helpful to doctors to diagnose the problem. These short events are sometimes ignored by doctors during an appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video allows doctors to accurately diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other kinds of seizures, or normal baby movement.
Swifter treatment: A prompt diagnosis allows the treatment to start quickly, potentially minimizing the risk of delays in development that can be caused by non-treated infantile spasms.
Do not wait. Take immediate action When You Suspect Infantile Spasms
If you witness your baby suffering from suspected infantile spasms,
Record a video Make use of your smartphone or camera to capture a clear video of the spasms. Capture as much detail as is possible.
Call your pediatrician promptly. It’s essential to bring your child in the presence of a doctor. Explain your concerns, share the video, and stress the urgency of the situation.
If you require emergency medical attention: If immediate access to your pediatrician unavailable, you should take your baby and the video footage to the nearest emergency center that treats children.
Early Intervention is the 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 difficulties, such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. It is important to diagnose your child quickly and intervene immediately in order to maximize the likelihood of recovery and milestones for your child. Different treatment methods are available to treat infantile spasms ranging from pharmaceutical interventions to specialized dietary regimens, and in extreme cases it is possible that surgical intervention is required. In addressing this condition with appropriate medical management whenever possible parents will increase the chances of minimizing adverse effects over time and aiding their child on her journey to improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss your instincts when you suspect something might be wrong with your baby. Always be on guard. It’s important to be aware of the infantile spasms symptoms, capture a video of them if you see them, and get immediate medical attention.