Infantile spasms

Infantile spasms (also known as West Syndrome) is a rare and severe type of epilepsy that occurs in early childhood, typically manifesting in the first year of life. This condition is characterized by a specific type of seizure known as an infantile spasm, which can cause sudden, involuntary muscle contractions.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of infantile spasms is the occurrence of spasms. These spasms often occur upon waking or after feeding, and can be subtle or quite dramatic. They may involve a sudden bending forward and stiffening of the body, arms, and legs; or a sudden arching of the back. Other symptoms may include developmental regression, or slowing or stopping of developmental progress.

Causes

The exact cause of infantile spasms is not known. However, it is often associated with a number of conditions, including tuberous sclerosis, Down syndrome, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and metabolic disorders. In some cases, no cause can be identified, a condition known as cryptogenic infantile spasms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infantile spasms is based on the characteristic symptoms and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings. The EEG of a child with infantile spasms often shows a pattern known as hypsarrhythmia, which is characterized by chaotic, high-amplitude waves and spikes that are irregularly distributed.

Treatment

Treatment for infantile spasms typically involves antiepileptic drugs such as vigabatrin and corticosteroids. In some cases, a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, may be recommended. If a specific cause for the spasms can be identified, such as a brain tumor, treatment will also target that underlying condition.

Prognosis

The prognosis for children with infantile spasms varies. Some children may experience a reduction in seizures and improvement in developmental progress with treatment, while others may continue to have ongoing seizures and developmental problems.

See also

• Epilepsy
• Seizure
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Down syndrome

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