Infantile spasms (also referred to as West Syndrome) is a serious and rare form of epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are brief, repetitive jerks which can result in developmental issues later on if they are not addressed and treated immediately. As a parent you must be aware of the signs of infantile spasms may be a huge difference to your child’s development.
The signs and symptoms of infantile spasms. Signs to Look Out for
Infantile spasms are sometimes difficult to distinguish from normal movements of a baby. But, there are certain signs to be aware of:
Sudden jerks. The spasms are generally experienced in the neck and upper part of a child, which prompts them to quickly move forward. Also, legs and arms could bend or stretch rapidly.
Spasms that are clustered: These episodes are often grouped together in the space of a few minutes (seconds or minutes). The clusters may occur frequently during the day.
Babys may appear startled or cry during a rage of screams.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms and Movements in infants for diagnosis earlier
If you are concerned that your baby might be having infantile spasms, then time is of the essence. To ensure a timely diagnosis and effective treatment, every second counts. Here are some instances when recording video can help save lives:
Visual evidence. The recording of your child’s having the spasms for a long time can be incredibly useful to doctors to diagnose the problem. These short-term events could be missed during a doctor’s visit.
The video can help doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms and distinguish them from other types or seizures.
Rapid treatment: Early diagnosis may provide a quick treatment, potentially minimizing developmental delays that are associated with untreated spasms among infants.
If you suspect that your child is having spasms, you must take action immediately.
If you suspect that your child is experiencing infantile spasms, you should:
Record a video: Use your phone or camera to capture an accurate video of spasms. Capture as much detail as is possible.
Contact your pediatrician immediately Get your child examined by their pediatrician is crucial. Send the video to them and discuss your concerns.
Bring your child along with the video to the closest emergency room that takes care of children in the event that you require to seek urgent care.
Early intervention is essential to safeguarding your child’s future
Spasms in infants can be a cause of developmental problems, such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. In order to optimize your child’s chances of healing and achieving developmental milestones, it is crucial that you diagnose and treat them quickly. There are numerous treatment options for infantile spasms. They include diet and medication regimens. If the problem is serious, surgery might be required. Parents can help their children achieve improved cognition and motor skills by addressing the condition as soon as possible. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Videos
Always listen to your gut If you believe that something might be wrong for your child. It is always better to be cautious rather than sorry. It’s essential to be aware of signs of infantile spasms, and take footage of them in case you notice these signs and seek medical care.