Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare and serious type of epilepsy that affects babies. These seizures are brief, repetitive jerks that can result in long-term developmental issues when not treated and diagnosed promptly. As a parent you must be aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms could be a huge difference to your child’s development.
Recognizing the Signs Early Symptoms: Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms may be difficult to differentiate from normal movements of a baby. However, there are some signs to look out for:
Sudden jerks. The spasms can be felt in the neck or upper body of a newborn, which causes them to quickly turn to the side. The legs and arms could also move quickly.
The spasms are often grouped together in an extremely short amount of time (seconds or even minutes). These can happen in a series throughout the day.
Change in expression: Babies may cry out or seem agitated during flashes.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms and triggering early Diagnosis
The timing is critical if you suspect that your child may be experiencing infantile spasms. Early diagnosis and treatment are dependent on every second. Here’s where capturing a video can save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s reaction to a cluster of spasms can provide doctors with invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. These short-term events could be missed during a doctor’s appointment.
The video can help doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of infantile spasms and also distinguish the different types of seizures.
Quicker treatment: An immediate diagnosis allows the treatment to start quickly possibly reducing the risk of developmental delays associated with untreated infantile spasms.
Get Help Now if You Suspect Infantile Spastics
If you suspect that your child might be suffering from the infantile spasms of their child, then
Video capture: Record the spasms using your phone or camera, and then capture as much detail as you can.
Contact your pediatrician immediately The moment you can get your child evaluated by a pediatrician can be crucial. The doctor should discuss your concerns and share the video. Also, stress the urgency.
If you require emergency medical attention: If immediate access to your pediatrician unavailable, take your baby and the video recording to the nearest emergency facility which treats children.
Early intervention is crucial: Securing your child’s future
Infantile spasms could be the source of developmental issues, such as cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. It is important to diagnose your child quickly and intervene promptly to increase the chances of recovery and milestones for your child. Spasms in infants can be treated through a variety of approaches such as diet and lifestyle changes or medications. If the condition is more severe surgeries may be required. Parents can help their children get better cognition and motor skills by addressing the condition early enough.
Remember: Don’t ignore your instincts when you think there’s something wrong with your baby. It’s always better to be secure rather than regretting. If you are aware of symptoms of infantile spasms, recording a video when you observe them, and seeking immediate medical attention, you are able to take vital steps towards ensuring your child’s health as well as his future health.