Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious type of epilepsy that affects babies. These seizures are short frequent jerks and can create developmental issues in the future if not addressed and treated immediately. Understanding the symptoms of infantile jerks as the parent can make all the difference in your child’s development.
The signs and symptoms of infantile spasms. Signs to Look Out for
Infantile spasms can be subtle and are often misinterpreted as normal movements of a baby. There are some distinct indicators to be aware of.
Spontaneous jerks generally involve the neck of the infant as well as its upper body, causing them to bend their bodies quickly. Also, arms and legs could flex or stretch out rapidly.
A cluster of episodes : These snaps may occur in clusters of spasms with multiple spasms, over short periods of time (seconds to a minute). These episodes can be repeated throughout the day.
Expression changes Babies might cry or appear agitated during exaggerated movements.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile Spasms an early diagnosis
You must act swiftly in the event that you suspect your child may be experiencing spasms in the infant. Every second counts to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. The ability to record a video can save your life:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms provides doctors with valuable evidence of visuals to help diagnose. Sometimes, these minor events can be missed when a doctor’s appointment is scheduled.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video allows doctors to accurately diagnose infantile spasms and differentiate them from other kinds of seizures, or normal baby movement.
Treatment speed: Early detection can enable quick treatment which could reduce the developmental delay caused by untreated spasms among infants.
Don’t Wait: Urgent Steps If You Think Your Child is Having Spasms
If you are concerned that your child is experiencing infantile spasms then:
Capture video: Take a video of the spasms by using your smartphone or camera, and then capture as many details as you can.
Make contact with your pediatrician as quickly as possible. It is important that your child is seen by your pediatrician. Your concerns should be explained and provide the video. Also, stress the importance of this appointment.
Find emergency help if required In the event that immediate access to your pediatrician unavailable, take your baby and the video recorder to the closest emergency department which treats children.
Early intervention is essential to protecting your child’s future
Infantile spasms have the potential to precipitate notable developmental setbacks and can cause a wide range of issues, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. To maximize your child’s chances of healing and reaching developmental milestones, it is crucial that you recognize and treat them immediately. Many treatment options are available to address infantile spasms that range from medical interventions to special diets and in the more serious cases it is possible that surgical intervention is warranted. By addressing the issue with the appropriate medical treatment whenever possible parents can improve the chances of minimizing long-term effects and helping their child along her journey to improved cognitive and motor function.
Do not ignore your gut when you suspect that something is wrong with your child. It’s always safer to be cautious than sorry. By being aware of signs of infantile spasms capturing a video if you witness them, and seeking immediate medical attention, it is possible to take vital steps towards ensuring your child’s safety and health.