Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome is a rare but severe epilepsy type that affects babies. These seizures are brief and repetitive, but they can cause permanent developmental issues should they not be treated promptly. As a parent you must be aware of the signs of infantile spasms may make a world of difference for your child’s future.
Spotting the Signs The Symptoms of Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms are sometimes difficult to distinguish from normal baby movements. However, there are some specific characteristics to look out for:
Spontaneous jerks usually affect the neck and upper body. This causes them to bend quickly forward. The arms and legs can also move quickly.
In clustered episodes, these jerks often occur in clusters of several spasms within an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). These episodes can be repeated throughout the day.
Babies may look agitated or cry out during spasms.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms in the early stages of Diagnosis
The timing is critical if you suspect your child could have spasms in the infant. Every second counts when it comes to ensuring an early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some instances when video recordings can help save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s symptoms as a cluster of spasms provides doctors with valuable evidence of visuals to help diagnose. Sometimes, these brief incidents can be overlooked when a doctor’s appointment is scheduled.
The video will help doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms, and differentiate the different types of seizures.
Rapid treatment: Early diagnosis can enable quick treatment which could reduce the developmental delay that are associated with untreated spasms that occur in infants.
Don’t wait: Take Urgent Action If You suspect that you are experiencing infantile spasms
If you see your baby having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Create the video. Use your camera or phone to record as many details of the spasms as you can.
Contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. It is essential that your child is seen by their physician. Send the video to them and discuss your concerns.
You must seek immediate emergency treatment, if necessary. If you can’t reach your pediatrician immediately, take the baby and video recording to a nearby emergency department for children.
Early Intervention is essential: Preserving your child’s future
Spasms in infants can be a cause of developmental problems that include cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. To increase your child’s chances of healing and reaching developmental milestones it is crucial that you diagnose and treat them quickly. Various treatment modalities exist to deal with infantile spasms that range from medical interventions to specific diet regimens and in more severe cases it is possible that surgical intervention is warranted. By addressing the issue quickly with the appropriate medical treatment, parents increase the probability of minimizing long-term damage and facilitating their child’s journey towards improved motor and cognitive functioning. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Videos
Do not dismiss your instinctive feeling if you have an inkling that something might be wrong with the baby. It’s always safer rather than regretting. By being aware of signs of infantile spasms recording a video in the event that you notice them, and seeking immediate medical attention, it is possible to take crucial steps towards ensuring your child’s safety and wellbeing.