Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome is a rare and serious type of epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are brief repeated jerks which can cause lasting developmental problems when not treated and diagnosed promptly. Knowing the signs of infantile jerks when you are an adult can make all the difference in your child’s life.
The Signs to look out for The Symptoms of Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are some characteristics that you should be aware of:
Instinctive jerks usually involve the baby’s neck and upper body, which causes them to bend forward quickly. The legs and arms could also move rapidly.
Clustered episodes: These spasms are usually grouped together over the space of a few minutes (seconds or even minutes). The spasms in these clusters may occur at any time during the all day.
Babies may look agitated or cry when they are in a spasm.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early Diagnosis
If you think your baby may be experiencing infantile spasms then time is crucial. Every moment counts in ensuring early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some instances when recording video can save lives:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with an escalating series of spasms could be incredibly helpful to doctors in diagnosing the condition. These small events can be missed by doctors during an appointment.
The video will enable doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms, and also distinguish them from other types or seizures.
Quicker treatment: An immediate diagnosis allows for the treatment to start quickly and reduces the chance of developmental delays that are associated with untreated infantile spasms.
Do Something Now if You Are afraid of infantile spasms
If you see your baby being prone to infantile spasms
Video capture using your phone or camera to record an accurate video of spasms, recording as much detail as possible.
Contact your pediatrician immediately In order to get your child checked by a pediatrician is essential. Communicate your concerns, send the video and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Get emergency treatment if needed: If you need immediate access to your pediatrician is not possible, bring your child and the video footage to the nearest emergency center that cares for children.
Early intervention is crucial: Securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms can be a trigger to precipitate notable developmental setbacks that can be a result of a variety of difficulties, such as autism spectrum disorder as well as cerebral palsy. It is crucial to identify your child quickly and intervene immediately to increase the chance of healing and milestones for your child. Infantile spasms can be addressed through a variety of approaches including diet changes, to pharmaceuticals. In more severe cases it may require surgery. Parents can help their children attain improved cognitive and motor performance by addressing the condition promptly.
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss your instincts if you suspect there’s something an issue with your baby. Always be cautious. If you are aware of symptoms of infantile spasms taking a video if you see them, and seeking immediate medical attention, you can be proactive in ensuring your child’s health as well as his future well-being.