Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious epilepsy condition that affects babies. These seizures are short and repetitive jerks, which could cause developmental issues later on if not identified and treated quickly. As a parent you must be aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms could make all the difference to your child’s development.
Spot the signs: Infantile spasms symptoms
Spasms in infants can be nebulous and easily mistaken for normal movements of a baby. However, there are some signs that you should be aware of:
Spasms that occur suddenly typically affect the neck as well as upper part of the body. They be able to bend rapidly forward. Arms and legs may be able to extend or bend quickly.
Clustered episodes: These tend to occur in clusters of several spasms within an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). These can happen in a series throughout the day.
Change of expression Babies might cry or appear agitated during spasms.
The power of video: Capturing Infantile Spasms for an early diagnosis
It is imperative to act fast in the event that you suspect your child is suffering from infantile spasms. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on each and every minute. Here are a few instances where video recording can save lives:
Visual evidence: By recording your child’s movements, you can provide doctors with valuable images to aid in diagnosing. These small events can be not noticed by doctors at an appointment.
Clear video footage can help doctors identify infantile seizures, and help distinguish them from other types of seizures, or normal movements for babies.
Swifter treatment: A prompt diagnosis enables treatment to begin swiftly and reduces the chance of developmental delays associated with non-treated infantile spasms.
Don’t wait: Take Urgent Action If You Think Your Child is Having Spasms
If you believe that your child may be experiencing infantile spasms then:
Video capture: Record the spasms using your phone or camera, and capture as many details as you can.
Call your pediatrician immediately In order to get your child checked by a pediatrician is essential. Communicate your concerns, send the video recording, and stress the urgency of the situation.
It is imperative to seek urgent emergency care, if needed. If you are unable to reach your pediatrician immediately, take the baby and video recording to an emergency room nearby for children.
Early Intervention is essential: Securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms are a potential source of developmental issues, such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. To maximize your child’s odds of regaining and reaching developmental milestones it is vital to identify and treat them promptly. Spasms in infants can be treated by a variety of methods, from dietary changes or medications. In more severe cases surgeries may be required. Parents can help their children attain improved cognitive and motor performance by addressing the problem early enough. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Be aware of your instincts if you suspect there’s something an issue with your baby. Always be vigilant. It is important to be aware of infantile spasms symptoms, capture an image of them when you happen to see them, and get immediate medical attention.