Infantile spasms can also be referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare but serious form of epilepsy that is common in babies. These seizures are short and repetitive, but they can cause long-lasting developmental issues when not treated and diagnosed quickly. As a parent, knowing the symptoms of infantile spasms could make all the difference to your child’s development.
Recognizing the Signs The Symptoms of Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But there are certain characteristics to look out for:
Sudden jerks – The spasms generally affect the neck and upper part of the body. The result is that they bend quickly forward. Also, legs and arms may flex or stretch out rapidly.
In clustered episodes, the are jerks that occur in groups of spasms that are multiple over a short duration (seconds to minute). The clusters may occur frequently throughout the time of the day.
Expression changes: Babies might cry or seem agitated when they are experiencing spasms.
The Power of Video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby may be experiencing infantile spasms then time is of the essence. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every moment. Here are some instances when video recording could help save lives:
Visual evidence. Recording your child having an escalating series of spasms could be incredibly useful to doctors in diagnosing the issue. Sometimes, these minor incidents can be overlooked at a visit to the doctor.
A clear video helps doctors pinpoint infantile seizures. It also helps distinguish them from other types seizures, or normal movements in infants.
Treatment speed: Early diagnosis may facilitate treatment in a short time and may help to reduce developmental delays which are caused by untreated spasms that occur in infants.
Don’t Wait: Urgent Steps If you suspect infantile spasms
If you witness your baby having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Video capture Utilize your phone or camera to capture an uncluttered video of the spasms, capturing as much detail as you can.
Contact your pediatrician right away. It is crucial to get your child the presence of a pediatrician. Be clear about your concerns, and share the video and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
You should seek immediate emergency medical attention, if required. If you are unable to reach your pediatric doctor immediately, you should take the infant and video recorder to a nearby emergency department for children.
Early intervention is the key to ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms can be a trigger to precipitate notable developmental setbacks which can result in a range of challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. It is crucial to identify your child promptly and intervene immediately to increase the likelihood of recovery and milestones your child will experience. There are numerous treatment options available for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medical regimens. If the condition is serious, surgery might be required. If you can address this issue through appropriate medical management as quickly as possible parents increase the chance of minimizing adverse effects over time and aiding their child in his or their journey to improve cognitive and motor function.
Never ignore your gut instinct If you believe that something might be wrong for your child. It’s always safer to be cautious instead of sorry. It is possible to help your child be happy and healthy by being informed about the signs and signs of infantile injuries. If you spot them, you should take a picture and seek medical attention right away.