Infantile spasms are also known as West syndrome. It is a rare, serious type of epilepsy that affects infants. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, these seizures can cause developmental problems. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms are crucial for the long-term development of your child.

Spasms in infants: symptoms and Signs to Look Out for

Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal movements of a baby. There are some distinct signs to watch out for.

Involuntary jerks generally affect the neck and upper part of the body. The result is that they move forward quickly. The legs and arms could also flex or extend rapidly.

Acute episodes: These jerks often occur in clusters of multiple spasms in a short period (seconds to minutes). The clusters can occur repeatedly throughout the day.

Change in expression: Babies might cry or seem startled when they experience spasms.

The Power of Video Capturing Infantile spasms for Early diagnosis

If you suspect your baby might be having infantile spasms or other issues, time is of the essence. To ensure a timely diagnosis and a successful treatment, every second counts. Here are some situations where recording video can save lives:

Visual evidence: By recording your child’s muscle spasms, you will provide your doctor with important visual evidence to diagnose. The short-term events are often overlooked by doctors during an appointment.

The video can help doctors to make a precise diagnosis of infantile spasms and distinguish them from other types of seizures.

Treatment could begin earlier A diagnosis early could enable treatment to begin sooner. This could reduce the risk of developmental delay due to untreated infantile strains.

Don’t wait: Take Urgent Action If you suspect infantile spasms

If you see your baby being prone to infantile spasms, the following symptoms may be present:

Video capture Make use of your smartphone or camera to record an uncluttered video of the spasms, capturing the most detail you can.

Call your pediatrician as quick as you can. It is imperative that your child is seen by their physician. You should explain your concerns and then share the video. Make sure you emphasize the urgency.

Find emergency help if required: If you need immediate access to your pediatrician is not possible, bring your child and the video footage to the nearest emergency facility that cares for children.

Early intervention is crucial to safeguarding your child’s future

Infantile spasms could be the cause to cause serious developmental setbacks and can cause a wide range of challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy. It is important to diagnose your child quickly and intervene promptly to increase the chances of recovery and milestones for your child. Different treatment methods are available to address infantile spasms including pharmaceutical treatments to specialized dietary regimens, and in more severe cases it is possible that surgical intervention is required. Parents can help their children achieve improved cognitive and motor functioning by addressing the problem whenever possible. Learn more here Infantile Spasms Symptoms

Be aware of your instincts when you suspect there’s something an issue with your baby. Always be vigilant. By being aware of signs of infantile spasms, recording a video when you notice these, and seeking prompt medical attention, you will be able to be proactive in ensuring your child’s health and wellbeing.