Infantile Spasms Symptoms
An infantile spasm consists of a sudden bending forward of the body, followed by stiffening upward or outward of the arms and legs. Some children arch their backs as they extend their arms and legs.
These seizures can be subtle. They may involve only brief head nods. Or they may be more obvious, involving the head, arms and legs. They last only a second or two. They often occur in clusters.
Some children have dozens of clusters and hundreds of spasms a day. Children may be irritable and cry after a spasm or cluster of spasms.
Recognizing the signs of an infantile spasm is hard because they are so subtle. The seizures look like a normal infant startle reflex or the back arching that is often seen with acid reflux.
Infantile spasms nearly always involve:
- Seizures as described above.
- Developmental delays or a loss of previously acquired skills, such as smiling or rolling over.
- A chaotic pattern of brain waves on an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment of infantile spasms leads to a better outcome. However, some children with infantile spasms have long-term developmental disabilities. This is especially true if there is a delay in diagnosis or treatment.