Infantile spasms is also known as West syndrome. It is a rare, severe form of epilepsy affecting infants. These seizures are short and repetitive, but they can cause permanent developmental issues should they not be treated quickly. Knowing the signs of infantile jerks when you are an adult can be the most important thing in your child’s life.
Spot the signs The symptoms of infantile spasms are
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But, there are certain features to be able to spot:
Rapid jerks. The spasms can be experienced in the neck and upper body of a baby, which causes them to lean to the side. The legs and arms could also be moved quickly.
In clustered episodes, these tend to occur in clusters of multiple spasms in an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). These clusters can happen repeatedly during the time of the day.
Change in expression: Babies may cry or appear to be shocked in the event of spasms.
The Power Of Video: Capturing Spasms in infants for early diagnosis
If you think your child may be experiencing infantile spasms or other issues, time is of the essence. Every minute counts towards ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Video recording could help save your life
Visual evidence by recording your child’s muscle spasms, you can provide doctors with valuable visual evidence to help diagnose. Sometimes, these minor incidents can be overlooked at a visit to the doctor.
Accurate diagnosis: A clear and precise video can help doctors identify infantile spasms, and distinguish them from other kinds of seizures, or normal baby movement.
Treatment speed: Early diagnosis may provide a quick treatment, potentially minimizing developmental delays that are associated with untreated spasms in infants.
Don’t put off: Take Action If you suspect infantile spasms
If you observe your baby having suspected infantile spasms
Video recording: Record the spasms with your phone or camera. You can also capture as many details as you can.
Get in touch with your pediatrician as fast as possible. It is essential that your child sees your pediatrician. Discuss your concerns, provide the video footage, and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
Get emergency treatment if needed: If you need immediate access to your pediatrician unavailable, take your baby along with the video to the nearest emergency department which treats children.
Early intervention is key to protecting your child’s future
Infantile spasms have the potential to cause significant developmental delays, encompassing a spectrum of challenges such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. To maximize your child’s chance of regaining and completing developmental milestones, it is imperative to detect and treat them swiftly. There are many options available for infantile spasms. These include dietary and pharmaceutical regimens. If the issue is serious, surgery might also be necessary. By promptly addressing this condition by implementing appropriate medical care, parents increase the chance of minimizing long-term effects and aiding their child’s progress towards improved motor and cognitive functioning.
Remember: Don’t ignore your gut feeling if you suspect there’s something going on with your baby. It’s always better to be secure than regretting. By being aware of signs of infantile spasms, capturing a video if you see the signs, and seeking immediate medical attention, it is possible to make crucial steps to ensure your child’s health and wellbeing.