Infantile spasms are a type of seizure that occurs in the first year of life, often between 4-8 months of age. It is a seizure type that can harm development. Early testing and diagnosis are very important. What does it look like? Infantile spasms have a typical look. During a spasm the infant may quickly bend forward at the waist or neck.
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When do infantile spasms occur?
It typically begins between 2-12 months of age and peaks between 4-8 months of age.
What causes infantile spasms?
There are many causes of infantile spasms; almost any brain abnormality or brain injury can cause them. More than 50 genetic/metabolic diseases are associated with infantile spasms, and many patients have other disorders that cause developmental delays (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, etc.) prior to the onset of the spasms. ...
How do you know if your baby has spasms?
Soon after the spasms begin, parents may notice a number of changes in their baby: 1 Loss of developmental milestones previously learned (e.g., rolling over, sitting, crawling, babbling) 2 Loss of social interactions and smiles 3 Increased fussiness or silence
What is the best treatment for infantile spasms?
The American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society recommend adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as the first line of therapy for infantile spasms. This medication is given as a shot. The first doses are given in the hospital so your child can be closely watched for any side effects.
Why is watching a baby's movements important?
Watching your baby's every movement typically brings parents so much joy. But when a baby shows signs and symptoms of a serious neurological condition such as infantile spasms (IS), that joy can quickly turn into concern.
Who is Kelly Cervantes' daughter?
Above, epilepsy advocate Kelly Cervantes with daughter Adelaide , son Jackson and husband Miguel Cervantes. Adelaide was diagnosed with infantile spasms when their family moved to Chicago where Miguel starred in "Hamilton: An American Musical.".
When do infantile spasms start?
It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Spasms usually begin between 3 and 12 months of age but can sometimes start at an earlier or later age.
What is the cause of infantile spasms?
There are many possible causes of infantile spasms. Children with different forms of brain disease are at risk. A doctor will make the diagnosis by observing your baby having a spasm and doing an EEG (electroencephalogram) to track brain activity. After diagnosis, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain or blood tests can often find ...
What is the best medicine for infantile spasms?
Which one is best for your child will depend on the cause of the infantile spasms and the side effects of the medicine (s). Prednisolone (Orapred ® ). For most patients, prednisolone is recommended first. It is a liquid given by mouth and can be stored at room temperature.
How long does it take for a neurologist to see a child?
The neurologist will see your child in about 10 to 14 days to see if the medicine worked. If the spasms stop, an EEG will be ordered to make sure that the brain waves have improved. If the spasms do not stop or the EEG does not improve enough, the doctor may add or change the treatment.
When do infantile spasms stop?
Infantile spasms usually stop by age five, but may be replaced by other seizure types. Many underlying disorders, such as birth injury, metabolic disorders, and genetic disorders can give rise to IS, making it important to identify the underlying cause. In some children, no cause can be found.
What is epileptic spasm?
An epileptic spasm is a specific type of seizure seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and childhood often called West Syndrome. These are more commonly called infantile spasms (IS) since they are seen most often in the first year of life. West Syndrome/IS is characterized by epileptic spasms, developmental problems, and a specific brain wave pattern on electroencephalography (EEG) testing called hypsarrhythmia. The onset is usually in the first year of life, typically between 4-8 months. The seizures often look like a sudden bending forward of the body with stiffening of the arms and legs lasting for 1-2 seconds; some children arch their backs as they extend their arms and legs. Spasms tend to occur upon awakening and often occur in multiple clusters and hundreds of seizures per day. Most children, but not all, will have EEG readings of hypsarrhythmia. Infantile spasms usually stop by age five, but may be replaced by other seizure types. Many underlying disorders, such as birth injury, metabolic disorders, and genetic disorders can give rise to IS, making it important to identify the underlying cause. In some children, no cause can be found.
How long does it take for a seizure to start?
The onset is usually in the first year of life, typically between 4-8 months. The seizures often look like a sudden bending forward of the body with stiffening of the arms and legs lasting for 1-2 seconds; some children arch their backs as they extend their arms and legs.
What is the prognosis for children with IS?
The prognosis for children with IS is largely dependent on the underlying cause. The intellectual prognosis for children with IS is generally poor because many babies with IS have neurological impairment prior to the onset of spasms. Children who have rapid initiation of treatment, normal development prior to infantile spasms, and no identifiable cause may do well. IS usually resolves by mid-childhood, but more than half of the children with IS will develop other types of seizures such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, an epileptic disorder of later childhood. In addition, children with IS are at a higher risk for autism. Shorter duration between the onset of IS and initiation of standard treatment appears to lead to an improved outcome; therefore early recognition of the seizures and early treatment are essential.
What is NINDS research?
The NINDS supports broad and varied programs of research on epilepsy and other seizure disorders aimed at discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat these disorders. Studies looking at the cellular, mlolecular, and genetic bases of epilepsy may lead to new therapies. In one project, scientists are investigating whether insulin growth factor-1, which has been shown to have neuroprotective aspects in some studies, can reduce the serious side effects of vigabatrin in order to develop a new combination therapy for infantile epilepsy.Epilepsy
Can you face neurologic disorder alone?
You don’t need to face a neurologic disorder alone. Reach out to receive emotional support and practical help from a caregiver who has lived through a similar experience and is trained to provide support.
What is West syndrome?
West Syndrome/IS is characterized by epileptic spasms, developmental problems, and a specific brain wave pattern on electroencephalography (EEG) testing called hypsarrhythmia.
What causes infantile spasms?
Doctors associate more than 200 different health conditions as possible causes of IS. Some infants may have had a brain injury, such as a stroke or meningitis. Others may have been born with a genetic mutation or have problems with brain development.
What does a spasm look like?
The seizures with this type of epilepsy (called "spasms") look like quick body jerks, sometimes with head drops or extended arms. These seizures are brief, but they can occur in clusters. At first, many parents think these spasms may be colic, reflux, or "sleep jerks" until they become more severe or frequent.
Can epilepsy cause spasms?
In 20 to 30 percent of children with this type of epilepsy, doctors can't find a cause.
When do seizures start?
These seizures begin in infancy, around four to six months of age.
What are the symptoms of IS?
With IS, you may notice your child is: 1 Smiling less 2 Less interactive and engaged in their environment 3 More irritable 4 Unhappy 5 Inconsolable
When do infantile spasms start?
Infantile spasms usually start when a child is between 4 and 8 months old. They will most likely occur when a child is sleepy, such as when they are waking up from a nap. They will suddenly flex their head or body at the waist, and their arms may come up in a startling way.
How to tell if a baby has an infection?
Some signs of infection are fever, runny nose, cough, diarrhea (watery bowel movements), bad smelling urine, and change in alertness.