Infantile spasms usually resolve with or without treatment in the majority of patients, generally by mid-childhood. However, other seizure types arise in 50-70% of patients
Infantile spasms (IS) are seizures seen in epilepsy of infancy and early childhood
Antiepileptic medications are the mainstay of therapy for infants with infantile spasms
normal neurological exam and development at onset, absence of other seizure types at onset, older age of onset, short duration of spasms, and early effective treatment of spasms
Infantile spasms were first described by the English physician W.J. West (1794-1848) in 1841
Intanfile spasms, also known as infantile spasms, typically have a variable prognosis depending on the underlying cause and the timeliness of treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to better outcomes, as prompt management often improves developmental trajectories. However, many children with infantile spasms may experience cognitive and developmental challenges, and some may have associated neurological disorders. Ongoing follow-up and tailored support are crucial for affected children and their families.
The diagnosis of infantile spasms is made by a combination of the typical features, along with a characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG), which shows a very disorganized pattern termed hypsarrhythmia
Peter M. Jeavons has written: 'Photosensitive epilepsy' -- subject(s): Biological Photosensitization, Epilepsy 'Infantile spasms' -- subject(s): Infantile Spasms
Flexor spasms involve flexion of the neck, trunk, and extremities. Extensor spasms consist of extension of the neck, trunk, and extremities
Infantile spasms usually cease spontaneously by age five, but are often replaced by seizures of other types. Therefore, emphasis is placed on lifelong seizure prevention rather than recovery
In the United States, infantile spasms constitute 2% of childhood epilepsies, and 25% of epilepsies with onset in the first year of life. The rate of IS is 1.6-5.0 cases per 10,000 live births
The number of neurological diseases that can result in infantile spasms is very large, but some of the major categories include intrauterine injury and infection, disorders caused by lack of blood flow to the fetal brain
Among conventional anti-seizure drugs, valproate and nitrazepam have been shown to be effective as first-line therapy. In addition to medication, there are some potential surgical options for infantile spasms