Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious type of epilepsy that affects babies. The seizures are short, repetitive jerks which can cause developmental issues in the future if they are not treated and diagnosed promptly. Recognizing the symptoms of infantile jerks as parents can make all the difference in your child’s life.
The Signs to look out for Early Symptoms: Infantile Spasms
The infantile spasms can be subtle and could be misinterpreted for normal movement in infants. There are specific indicators to be aware of.
A sudden jerk. The spasms are usually felt in the neck or upper body of a newborn, which can cause them to rapidly bend forward. Furthermore, the legs and arms may flex or stretch out rapidly.
Acute episodes: These jerks often occur in clusters of multiple spasms in an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). These clusters may happen repeatedly throughout the day.
Baby may seem agitated, or cry during a rage of screams.
The power of video: Capturing Infantile Spasms for Early Diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby might be experiencing infantile spasms then time is of the essence. Every moment counts in ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Here are some situations where recording video can help save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms offers doctors valuable evidence of visuals to help diagnose. These small events can be missed at a doctor’s visit.
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 enable quick treatment which could reduce the developmental delay which are caused by untreated spasms among infants.
Don’t wait: Take Urgent Action When You Suspect Infantile Spasms
If you suspect that your child is experiencing the infantile spasms of their child, then
Record a video using your phone or camera to take a clear video of the spasms. Make sure you record as much detail as possible.
Call your pediatrician immediately In order to get your child checked by a pediatrician can be crucial. Send the video to them and discuss your concerns.
You must seek immediate emergency care, if needed. If you are unable to reach your pediatric physician immediately, bring the baby and video recording to an emergency facility nearby for children.
Early Intervention is the first step to safeguarding your child’s future
Infantile spasms can cause severe developmental delays, which include intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorders. To maximize your child’s odds of regaining and completing developmental milestones, it is vital to detect and treat them swiftly. Different treatment methods are available for addressing infantile spasms, which range from medications to specific diet regimens and in the more serious cases, surgical intervention may be required. Parents can aid their children achieve improved cognitive and motor performance by addressing the condition whenever possible.
Remember: Don’t ignore your gut feeling if you think there’s something wrong with your baby. It’s always safer instead of sorry. Your child can be happy and healthy by being informed about the signs and signs of infantile strains. If you spot them, make a video and get medical attention immediately.
