Infantile spasms are also known as West syndrome. It is a rare, severe form of epilepsy affecting babies. These seizures are short and repetitive, but they can cause long-lasting developmental issues should they not be treated promptly. Understanding the signs of infantile jerks as an adult can be the most important thing in your child’s development.
Recognizing the Signs The Symptoms of Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal baby movements. But there are some specific characteristics that you should be aware of:
The sudden jerks. The spasms can be experienced in the neck and upper part of a child, which causes them to turn to the side. Legs and arms may also extend or bend rapidly.
In clustered episodes, these are usually seen in clusters of a number of spasms over a short period (seconds to minutes). These clusters can happen repeatedly throughout the daytime.
Baby may seem agitated, or cry out in spasms.
The power of video – Capturing infantile spasms in the early stages of diagnosis
If you are concerned that your baby might be experiencing infantile spasms or other issues, time is of the essence. Every second counts when it comes to ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Here are some situations where video recording can save lives:
Visual evidence: Keeping a record of your child’s experience with a series of spasms gives doctors invaluable visual evidence for diagnosis. Sometimes, these minor events can be missed at a visit to the doctor.
A clear video aids doctors identify infantile seizures. It also helps distinguish them from other types of seizures or normal movements of babies.
Swifter treatment: A prompt diagnosis allows for the treatment to start quickly and reduces the chance of developmental delays resulting from non-treated infantile spasms.
Get Help Now if You Think You’ve seen infantile spit-up
If you think that your child is experiencing infantile spasms then:
Make videos. Use your camera, or phone to capture as many details of the spasms as possible.
Contact your pediatrician immediately The moment you can get your child evaluated by their pediatrician is crucial. Make sure to share the video and talk about your concerns.
Take your child and the video to the nearest emergency center that treats children if you need to seek urgent care.
Early Intervention is the Key to Protecting Your Child’s Future
Infantile spasms could be the source of developmental issues like cerebral palsy or intellectual disabilities. The rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to maximize the chances for your child’s recuperation and attaining normal milestones in development. The treatment for infantile spasms is with a variety such as diet and lifestyle changes or medications. If the condition is more severe surgeries may be required. Parents can assist their children to improve their motor and cognitive functioning by addressing the issue early enough.
Do not ignore your gut when you suspect that something is wrong for your child. Always be vigilant. By being aware of the symptoms of infantile spasms, recording a video when you notice them, and seeking immediate medical attention, you can make crucial steps to ensure your child’s health and wellbeing.