Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious type of epilepsy that affects babies. If not treated and diagnosed quickly, these seizures may result in developmental issues. Recognizing the symptoms of infantile jerks as a parent can make all the difference in your child’s development.
The Signs to look out for Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Spasms in infants can be nebulous and can be easily misinterpreted as normal movements of a baby. There are some distinct indicators to be aware of.
Sudden jerks – The spasms typically affect the neck as well as upper part of the body. This causes them to move forward quickly. Furthermore, the legs and arms may flex or stretch quickly.
In clustered episodes, the jerks can occur in groups of multiple spasms over short periods of time (seconds to a minute). These clusters of spasms may be experienced throughout the daytime.
Babies can appear agitated or cry when they are in a spasm.
The power of video The Power of Video: Capturing Infantile spasms for Early Diagnosis
Time is crucial if you suspect your child could be experiencing infantile spasms. Every minute counts towards ensuring early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some instances when recording video can save lives:
Visual evidence When you document your child’s muscle spasms, you can offer doctors visual evidence to diagnose. Sometimes, these small instances can be missed when a doctor’s appointment is scheduled.
The video will help doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms, and also distinguish the different types of seizures.
Treatment can begin sooner If a diagnosis is made early, it could permit treatment to commence quicker. This could lower the chance of developing delays caused by untreated infantile sprains.
Take Action Now if You Are afraid of infantile spasms
If you notice your child experiencing infantile spasms, you should be concerned.
Make a video. Use your camera, or phone to capture as as much detail of the spasms you experience as you can.
Call your pediatrician as quick as possible. It is crucial that your child is seen by their pediatrician. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
Take your child and video to the closest emergency room that treats children if you need to seek medical attention in an emergency.
Early Intervention is the key for ensuring the future of your child.
Infantile spasms could be the cause to trigger significant developmental setbacks, encompassing a spectrum of issues, including autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. To maximize your child’s chance of regaining and achieving developmental milestones, it is imperative to identify and treat them promptly. There are many options for infantile spasms. This includes diets as well as pharmaceutical treatments. If the issue is serious, surgery might be needed. By addressing the issue quickly through appropriate medical management, parents increase the chance of minimizing long-term damage and aiding their child’s progress toward improved cognitive and motor functioning.
Don’t ignore your instincts if you think something is wrong for your child. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. By being aware of signs of infantile spasms, recording a video in the event that you see them, and seeking urgent medical attention, you will be able to take crucial steps towards ensuring your child’s health as well as his future well-being.
