Infantile spasms represent a serious form of epilepsy affecting infants, typically within their first year of life. Recognizing these seizures is important for parents and caregivers, as they differ from common infant movements. Understanding their characteristics helps in early identification and seeking appropriate medical guidance.
Understanding Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms are a rare but severe type of seizure, often appearing between 3 and 12 months of age, with a peak incidence around 4 to 8 months. They are distinct from typical infant behaviors like the startle reflex, colic, or reflux.
A spasm usually involves a sudden stiffening of the body, often with the head bending forward, arms flinging out, and knees pulling up, sometimes described as a “jackknife” movement. Other presentations can include arching of the back with straightened limbs or more subtle movements like eye rolling, chin movements, or head nodding. Each individual spasm lasts only about one to two seconds. These movements are a specific type of seizure activity originating from abnormal electrical patterns in the brain.
Frequency and Patterns of Occurrence
Infantile spasms typically occur in “clusters” or “series” rather than as isolated events. Within a cluster, individual spasms happen in rapid succession, often every 5 to 10 seconds, with brief pauses in between. A single cluster can last for several minutes, ranging from three to ten minutes or even longer. The number of spasms within a cluster can vary significantly, from just a few to dozens, sometimes over one hundred individual spasms in a day.
These clusters most commonly manifest when an infant is waking up from sleep, whether in the morning or after naps. While less frequent, clusters can also occur as the baby is falling asleep or, rarely, during deep sleep. The frequency varies daily, with some infants experiencing several clusters and others having days without any. Any cluster warrants attention. During a cluster, an infant might appear distressed or cry, but usually returns to typical behavior once it subsides.
When to Consult a Medical Professional
Any suspicion of infantile spasms necessitates immediate consultation with a medical professional, such as a pediatrician or neurologist. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for better long-term outcomes. Delaying treatment can lead to developmental regression and lasting cognitive or developmental problems.
When seeking medical advice, providing video recordings of suspected spasms assists doctors in accurate diagnosis. A pediatric neurologist will conduct a physical and neurological examination and order an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess brain activity. This test confirms the diagnosis by identifying specific brainwave patterns, such as hypsarrhythmia. Prompt action significantly influences the child’s developmental trajectory.