Infantile spasms (also known as West Syndrome) is a serious and uncommon epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are short and repetitive, but they can cause long-lasting developmental issues in the event that they are not addressed and treated promptly. As a parent, being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms could make a world of difference for your child’s future.
Infantile spasms: Symptoms and warning signs to watch out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are specific signs to be aware of:
Instinctive jerks generally involve the baby’s neck and upper body, causing them to bend their bodies quickly. Also, legs and arms could bend or stretch rapidly.
A cluster of episodes : These snaps may occur in clusters of multiple spasms over a short duration (seconds to minutes). These can be repeated during the day.
Change in expression: Babies might cry or seem agitated when they are experiencing spasms.
The Power of Video: Capturing Spasms in Infants for Early Diagnoses
If you think your baby may be experiencing infantile spasms then time is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on the moment. This is where recording a video can save lives:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with spasms in a series can be incredibly helpful to doctors to diagnose the problem. Sometimes, these minor events can be missed when a doctor’s appointment is scheduled.
Accurate diagnosis: Clear video lets doctors accurately diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other kinds of seizures as well as normal baby movement.
Quicker treatment: An immediate diagnosis allows treatment to begin quickly and reduces the chance of delays in development that can be caused by untreated infantile spasms.
If you suspect that your child is having spasms, act immediately.
If you believe that your child is suffering from infantile spasms, then:
Take the video. Use your camera, or phone to capture as detailed details of the spasms you experience as you can.
Get in touch with your pediatrician as soon as possible. It’s crucial to get your child front of a pediatrician. It is important to discuss your concerns and also share the video. Make sure you emphasize the urgency.
Get emergency treatment if needed: If immediate access to your pediatrician unavailable, you should take your baby and the video recorder to the closest emergency room that cares for children.
Early Intervention is essential: Securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms can lead to major delays in development, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Quick diagnosis and prompt intervention are essential to maximize the chances for your child’s recovery and achieving the typical milestones in development. There are a variety of treatment options available for addressing infantile spasms, which range from medications to special diets and in more severe instances the need for surgery might be necessary. When you tackle this issue as soon as it is detected through appropriate medical management, parents increase the chance of minimizing long-term effects and assist their child’s progression toward improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss the instincts of your body if you think there’s something not right with your child. It’s always safer to be sure instead of being sorry. By being aware of symptoms of infantile spasms, capturing a video if you witness the signs, and seeking immediate medical attention, you will be able to take vital steps towards ensuring your child’s health and future health.