Infantile spasms, formerly known as West syndrome, is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that affects infants. These seizures are brief repeated jerks which can cause long-lasting developmental issues if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Recognizing the symptoms of infantile jerks as a parent can make a huge difference in your child’s life.
The Signs to look out for: Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. There are some distinct indicators to be aware of.
Sudden jerks: The spasms usually involve the neck of the infant as well as its upper body, causing them to bend quickly. Legs and arms can extend or flex rapidly.
Acute episodes: These jerks often occur in clusters of spasms that occur over brief time (seconds to minutes). These episodes can be repeated throughout the day.
Change in expression Babies might cry or appear agitated during exaggerated movements.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early diagnosis
You must act swiftly if you think your child may be experiencing spasms in the infant. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every second. The ability to record a video can help save your life
Visual evidence. Recording your child having an escalating series of spasms could help doctors in diagnosing the issue. Sometimes, these brief events can be missed during a doctor’s appointment.
Accurate diagnosis: Clear video helps doctors diagnose infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other types of seizures as well as normal baby movement.
Treatment can begin sooner If a diagnosis is made early, it could enable treatment to begin more quickly. This could lower the possibility of delay in development associated with untreated infantile sprains.
Act Now if you suspect that your child has spastics
If you notice your child experiencing suspected infantile spasms:
Capture video: Take a video of the spasms by using your smartphone or camera. You can also capture as much detail as you can.
Call your pediatrician promptly. It’s crucial to bring your child in the presence of a pediatrician. Send the video to them and discuss your concerns.
Bring your child along with the video to the nearest emergency room that is geared towards children, if you have to seek medical attention in an emergency.
Early intervention is the Key to ensuring your child’s future
Infantile spasms could be the cause of developmental problems like cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. It is essential to recognize your child’s condition quickly and act immediately to increase the odds of recovery and milestones for your child. Different treatment methods are available for addressing infantile spasms, which range from medications to specialized dietary regimens, and in more severe instances it is possible that surgical intervention is necessary. In addressing this condition with the appropriate medical treatment whenever possible parents can improve chances of minimizing the long-term effects and helping their child along her journey to improved cognitive and motor function.
Don’t ignore your gut feeling if you have an inkling that something might be wrong with the baby. It’s always safer to be sure instead of being unlucky. By being aware of signs of infantile spasms, capturing a video if you observe the signs, and seeking immediate medical attention, you will be able to take crucial steps towards ensuring your child’s health and future health.