Infantile spasms are also known as West syndrome. It is a rare but serious form of epilepsy affecting infants. These seizures are a short repeated jerks that can cause developmental problems in the future if not identified and treated quickly. Being aware of the indicators of infantile jerks a parent can make all the difference in your child’s development.
Spasms in infants: symptoms and warning signs to watch out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But there are certain characteristics to be aware of:
Spontaneous jerks usually involve the neck and upper body, causing them to bend quickly. Arms and legs may extend or flex rapidly.
The spasms typically occur in a short time (seconds or even minutes). The clusters may occur frequently during the period of the day.
Babies may look agitated or cry during a rage of screams.
The Power of Video – Capturing infantile spasms in the early stages of diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby may be experiencing infantile spasms then time is crucial. The early diagnosis and treatment is dependent on the moment. Video recording could save your life:
Visual evidence. Noting that your child is experiencing spasms in a series can be incredibly helpful to doctors in diagnosing the issue. Sometimes, these small instances can be missed when a doctor’s appointment is scheduled.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear video lets doctors accurately diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other types of seizures, or normal baby movement.
Rapid treatment: Early diagnosis can enable quick treatment and may help to reduce developmental delays that are associated with untreated spasms in infants.
Take Action Now if You suspect that your child has spastics
If you see your baby having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Video capture Make use of your smartphone or camera to capture a clear video of spasms, recording as much detail as you can.
Make an appointment with your pediatrician immediately. It’s essential to bring your child in the presence of a pediatrician. Show the video and explain your concerns.
Bring your child and the video to the closest emergency room that is geared towards children, if you have to seek out emergency medical attention.
Early Intervention is the key to Making sure your child is protected for the future
Infantile spasms can be a trigger to cause serious developmental setbacks, encompassing a spectrum of issues, including autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. The rapid diagnosis and treatment are paramount in optimizing the prospects for your child’s recovery and achieving typical milestones in development. There are many treatment options for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medication regimens. If the issue is very severe, surgery could also be necessary. By addressing the issue through appropriate medical management whenever possible parents can improve the likelihood of minimizing negative long-term effects, and assist their child on his or his or her path to better motor and cognitive function.
Don’t be afraid to listen to your senses when there is an inkling that something might be wrong with the baby. It’s always better to be secure rather than regretting. If you are aware of signs of infantile spasms taking a video if you see the signs, and seeking immediate medical attention, you will be able to be proactive in ensuring your child’s health and well-being.
