How do I know if my baby has infantile spasms?

Symptoms of Infantile Spasms (IS) Stiffen their legs or “tuck them into the belly,” as if having stomach pain. Suddenly bend at the waist. Drop or bob their heads briefly. Roll their eyes back suddenly with subtle head nodding.

What is the life expectancy of someone with infantile spasms?

West syndrome (also called infantile spasms) should go away by the time your child is 4 years old. But most people will develop another kind of epilepsy or seizure condition in childhood or as an adult.

What can be mistaken for infantile spasms?

Infantile Spasms (IS) are a medical emergency. Infantile spasms are caused by a condition in a baby’s brain and include repetitive, but often subtle movements—such as jerking of the mid-section, dropping of the head, raising of the arms or wide-eyed blinks. IS can be misdiagnosed as colic, reflux, or a startle reflex.

Can babies with infantile spasms have a normal life?

In fact, some children with infantile spasms may ultimately lead normal lives, but only if they are diagnosed and treated correctly.

What infantile spasms look like?

Infantile spasms often look like a sudden, brief stiffening of a baby’s muscles. Symptoms may include: a cluster of spasms that may be associated with waking from sleep. jackknife seizures, where the body bends forward, the knees are pulled up, and the arms are thrown out to the side.

What happens if infantile spasms are left untreated?

Left untreated, infantile spasms can lead to serious outcomes, including an estimated infant mortality rate of between 5% and 6%. The most significant concern, however, is that infantile spasms are associated with autism and intellectual deficits that permanently affect quality of life.

When do infantile spasms start?

Infantile spasms most often begin between 4 and 7 months, but can start any time in the first few years of life. Later onset spasms may also occur but are rare.

What does an infantile spasm look like?

Can infantile spasm be cured?

Many children with infantile spasms develop other kinds of epilepsy. (Watch examples of infantile spasms.) “Some of these children can be cured, but successful treatment often depends on prompt diagnosis,” said Hussain.

At what age do infantile spasms start?

Do infantile spasms show up on EEG?

Doctors often confirm the diagnosis of infantile spasms with an electroencephalogram (EEG) test. An EEG shows a specific type of abnormal chaotic brainwave pattern called hypsarrhythmia.

What do you do if you suspect infantile spasms?

If you suspect your baby may be having infantile spasms, talk to your pediatrician right away. Your child may need to be seen by a pediatric neurologist. If you can, try to video any episodes of your baby having a spasm and show this to your child’s doctors.

What are the symptoms of infantile spasms ( is )?

Symptoms of Infantile Spasms (IS) Children with IS — a rare type of epilepsy — may: Raise their arms over their head or stick their arms straight out to the side. Stiffen their legs or “tuck them into the belly,” as if having stomach pain.

How can you tell if a baby is having a spasm?

We see a baby experiencing a cluster of individual spasms. Each spasm is less than 1 second; the child exhibits a look of surprise, a brief stare, and elevation/extension of both arms. In between each spasm, the baby appears to be fine—very typical of infantile spasms.

What causes spasms in the brain in babies?

Infantile spasms (also called West syndrome) can be caused by brain malformations, infections, brain injury, or abnormal blood vessels in the brain. IS also can happen in babies with certain metabolic and genetic disorders.

Are there any natural treatments for infantile spasms?

Treatment for infantile spasms. One of the major drugs used to treat infantile spasms is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body. It’s injected into a child’s muscles and has been shown to be very effective in stopping spasms.