Infantile spasms, also referred to as West syndrome is a rare, severe epilepsy type that affects infants. These seizures are short frequent jerks, which could cause lasting developmental problems in the event that they are not addressed and treated quickly. Understanding the indicators of infantile jerks an adult can change the course of your child’s life.
The Signs to look out for: Infantile Spasms Symptoms
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 are generally experienced in the neck and upper body of a baby, which prompts them to quickly bend forward. The legs and arms could be able to extend or bend quickly.
In clustered episodes, these are usually seen in clusters of spasms that occur over an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). These clusters of spasms may occur throughout the day.
Expression changes: Babies may cry or look a bit shocked in the event of spasms.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile spasms for Early Diagnosis
If you suspect your baby might be suffering from infantile spasms, then time is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every moment. Here are a few scenarios where video recording could help save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping track of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms provides doctors with crucial evidence to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, these brief events can be missed at a visit to the doctor.
A clear video can help doctors accurately diagnose infantile seizures, and help distinguish them from other types of seizures, or normal movements of babies.
Treatment could begin earlier: An early diagnosis may permit treatment to commence quicker. This could lower the chance of developmental delays due to untreated infantile strains.
If you suspect that your child has spasms, take immediate action.
If you suspect that your child is suffering from infantile spasms, then:
Take a video. Make use of your camera or phone to capture as many details of the spasms as is possible.
Make contact with your pediatrician as quickly as you can. It is imperative to ensure that your child visits their doctor. You should explain your concerns and provide the video. Make sure you emphasize the urgency.
If you require emergency medical attention: If immediate access to your pediatrician is not available, then take your baby along with the video to the closest emergency room which treats children.
Early intervention is crucial: Securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms could be the cause of developmental problems including cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. It is vital to determine the condition of your child’s symptoms quickly and intervene immediately to maximize the chances of recovery and milestones for your child. Infantile spasms can be treated with a variety, from dietary changes to prescription medications. If the condition is more severe surgical intervention may be necessary. Parents can assist their children to get better cognition and motor skills by treating the problem whenever possible.
Do not ignore your gut If you believe that something might be wrong in your child. Always be on guard. It is important to be aware of the signs of infantile spasms, and take an image of them when you notice them, and get immediate medical care.