Infantile spasms can also be referred to as West syndrome. It is a rare and serious form of epilepsy that is common in infants. These seizures are short and repetitive, but they can cause permanent developmental issues in the event that they are not addressed and treated promptly. Recognizing the symptoms of infantile jerks as the parent can make all the difference in your child’s life. Act today Infantile Spasms Symptoms
Spasms in infants: symptoms and indications to be on the lookout for
Infantile spasms are often subtle and could be misinterpreted as normal infant movements. There are some distinct signs to watch out for.
The sudden jerks. The spasms are usually felt in the neck or upper part of a newborn baby. This prompts them to quickly turn to the side. Legs and arms can also flex or extend rapidly.
In clustered episodes, these jerks often occur in clusters of multiple spasms in a short period (seconds to minutes). These can be repeated throughout the time of the day.
Expression changes: Babies may cry or look a bit shocked during spasms.
The Power of Video Capturing Infantile Spasms to aid in an early diagnosis
If you think your child might be having infantile spasms then time is of the essence. Every moment counts in ensuring the diagnosis is made early and treatment. The following are some instances where video recording can save lives:
Visual evidence. Documenting your child’s experience with an escalating series of spasms could help doctors when it comes to diagnosing the issue. These small events can be missed at a doctor’s visit.
A clear video aids doctors to accurately identify infantile seizures, and help distinguish them with other types of seizures or normal movements in infants.
Faster treatment: A quick diagnosis allows for treatment to begin quickly possibly reducing the risk of developmental delays associated with untreated infantile spasms.
Don’t put off: Take Action If You Think Your Child is Having Spasms
If you notice your child having a hard time sleeping, you should know:
Capture video: Record the spasms on your phone or camera. You can also capture as much detail as you can.
Make an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as possible In order to get your child checked by a pediatrician is essential. Communicate your concerns, send the video footage, and stress the urgency of the situation.
You should seek immediate emergency medical assistance, if you need it. If you’re unable to contact your pediatric doctor immediately, you should take the infant and video recorder to an emergency facility nearby for children.
Early intervention is the key to ensuring your child’s future
Spasms in infants can be a reason for developmental difficulties, such as cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. The rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve the odds for your child’s recovery and reaching the normal milestones in development. Many treatment options are available for addressing infantile spasms, including pharmaceutical treatments to special diets and in more severe cases the need for surgery might be necessary. If you can address this issue with appropriate medical management as soon possible parents will increase the chance of minimizing adverse effects over time and aiding their child along his or her path to better motor and cognitive performance.
Don’t ignore your instincts whenever you feel that something could be wrong in your child. It’s always safer than being sorry. If you are aware of symptoms of infantile spasms taking a video if you witness these, and seeking prompt medical attention, you can take vital steps towards ensuring your child’s health as well as his future well-being.