Infantile spasms, formerly known as West syndrome is a rare, severe epilepsy type that affects babies. These seizures are short, repetitive jerks which can cause developmental problems in the future if they are not identified and treated quickly. As a parent, knowing the symptoms of infantile spasms could be a huge difference to your child’s development.
Infantile spasms: Signs and warning signs to watch out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. However, there are specific characteristics to look out for:
Sudden jerks. The spasms are usually experienced in the neck and upper part of a newborn, which causes them to quickly bend inward. Legs and arms may be able to move swiftly.
Spasms that are clustered: These episodes are often grouped together in an extremely short amount of time (seconds or minutes). The clusters may occur frequently throughout the daytime.
Babies can appear agitated or cry out in spasms.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile Spasms Early Diagnosis
It is imperative to act fast when you suspect your child is suffering from infantile spasms. Every second counts to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few scenarios where recording video can help save lives:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with the spasms for a long time can be extremely helpful to doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. Sometimes, these short events can be missed at a visit to the doctor.
A clear video helps doctors pinpoint infantile seizures and distinguish them from other types seizures or normal movements in babies.
The treatment process can be initiated earlier: An early diagnosis may help treatment begin sooner. This may reduce the risk of developmental delay due to untreated infantile strains.
If you suspect that your infant is experiencing spasms, act immediately.
If you notice your child experiencing infantile spasms, you should be concerned.
Capture video: Record the spasms on your phone or camera. Capture as much detail as you can.
Make contact with your pediatrician as quickly as possible. It is crucial to ensure that your child visits their pediatrician. Send the video to them and discuss your concerns.
Seek emergency care if necessary If access to a pediatrician is not possible, bring your child and the video recorder to the nearest emergency center that cares for children.
Early Intervention is the key to Protecting Your Child’s Future
Spasms in infants can be a reason for developmental difficulties including cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. To maximize your child’s chances of healing and completing developmental milestones, it is imperative to identify and treat them promptly. There are many treatment options for infantile spasms. These include dietary and medical regimens. If the issue is severe, surgery may be needed. If you can address this issue through appropriate medical management as soon possible parents will increase chances of minimizing the any long-term consequences and assisting their child on his or her path to better motor and cognitive functioning.
Do not ignore your gut senses when there is an inkling that something might be wrong with the baby. It is always better to be cautious instead of sorry. It is possible to help your child remain healthy and happy by being aware of the signs and signs of infantile strains. If you notice them, take a video and get medical attention immediately.