Infantile spasms, also referred to as West syndrome, is a rare and severe epilepsy type that affects infants. These seizures are short frequent jerks, which could cause long-lasting developmental issues should they not be treated promptly. As a parent, being aware of the signs of infantile spasms can make a world of difference for your child’s future.
Infantile spasms: Signs and Signs to Look Out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But there are certain characteristics to keep in mind:
Sudden jerks. The spasms are typically experienced in the neck and upper part of a newborn baby. This causes them to move to the side. The legs and arms can also be moved quickly.
A cluster of episodes : These snaps may occur in clusters of multiple spasms over short periods of time (seconds to minutes). The clusters can occur repeatedly throughout the day.
Expression changes: Babies may cry or look a bit shocked during spasms.
The power of video – Capturing Infantile spasms for Early diagnosis
You must act swiftly in the event that you suspect your child is experiencing infantile spasms. Every second counts when it comes to ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few scenarios where video recordings can help save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms provides doctors with invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. These short-term events could be missed during a doctor’s appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other kinds of seizures, or normal baby movement.
Swifter treatment: A prompt diagnosis enables the treatment to start quickly possibly reducing the risk of developmental delays that are associated with non-treated infantile spasms.
Don’t put off: Take Action If You Think Your Child is Having Spasms
If you suspect that your child may be experiencing the infantile spasms of their child, then
Capture video: Record the spasms using your phone or camera, and capture as many details as you can.
Call your pediatrician immediately Get your child examined by a pediatrician is essential. It is important to discuss your concerns and also share the video. Additionally, emphasize the urgency.
You must seek immediate emergency care, if needed. If you are unable to reach your pediatric doctor immediately, you should take the baby and video recording to an emergency room nearby for children.
Early intervention is crucial to protecting your child’s future
Infantile spasms can cause significant developmental delays, including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders. To maximize your child’s chances of recovering and completing developmental milestones, it is imperative to recognize and treat them immediately. There are numerous treatment options available for infantile spasms. This includes diets and pharmaceutical regimens. If the issue is serious, surgery may also be necessary. Parents can help their children get better motor and cognitive functioning by addressing the issue as soon as possible.
Never ignore your gut instinct If you believe that something might be wrong with your child. It’s always better to be secure than regretting. Your child can keep them healthy and happy by being informed about the signs and symptoms of infantile strains. If you notice them, take a video and seek immediate medical attention.