Infantile spasms can also be referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare, serious kind of epilepsy that can affect babies. These seizures are brief and repetitive jerks, which could result in developmental issues in the future if they are not identified and treated quickly. As a parent, knowing the signs of infantile spasms can make a world of difference to your child’s development.
Identifying the Signs Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Infantile spasms are sometimes difficult to distinguish from normal baby movements. There are specific indicators to be aware of.
Rapid jerks. The spasms are usually experienced in the neck and upper part of a newborn, which can cause them to rapidly move to the side. Arms and legs may also extend or bend rapidly.
The jerks often occur in clusters of spasms that occur over an extremely short time (seconds to minutes). These can happen in a series throughout the day.
The expression of babies might cry or seem agitated when they are experiencing spasms.
The power of video: Capturing Infantile Spasms for the early diagnosis
If you think your child might be having infantile spasms or other issues, time is of the essence. Every second counts when it comes to ensuring the diagnosis is made early and treatment. Here are some situations where recording video can help save lives:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with spasms in a series can be incredibly helpful to doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. Sometimes, these short moments can go unnoticed during a doctor’s appointment.
Clear video footage can help doctors pinpoint infantile seizures and differentiate them from other kinds of seizures or normal movements in infants.
Treatment can begin sooner If a diagnosis is made early, it could allow treatment to start sooner. This could reduce the risk of developmental delay due to untreated infantile strains.
If you suspect infantile spasms, take immediate action.
If you see your baby having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Capture a video Make use of your smartphone or camera to take an accurate video of spasms. Capture the most detail you can.
Make an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as possible: Getting your child seen by a doctor is vital. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
It is imperative to seek urgent emergency medical assistance, if you need it. If you cannot reach your pediatric doctor immediately, you should take the baby and video recording to an emergency center nearby for children.
Early intervention is the key to Protecting Your Child’s Future
Spasms in infants can be a reason for developmental difficulties, such as cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. Rapid diagnosis and intervention is crucial in maximizing the chance of your child’s recovery and achieving typical milestones in development. The treatment for infantile spasms is with a variety that range from diet modifications to medications. In more serious cases surgical intervention may be necessary. Parents can assist their children to achieve improved cognitive and motor performance by addressing the issue early enough. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Videos
Keep in mind: Don’t dismiss your gut feeling if you suspect there’s something an issue with your baby. Always be cautious. It is possible to help your child remain healthy and happy by being informed of signs and symptoms of infantile injuries. If you see them, record a video and get medical attention immediately.