Infantile or epileptic spasms (West Syndrome)

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Infantile spasms (also called IS) are also known as West syndrome because it was first described by Dr. William James West in the 1840s. These seizures may be subtle and be confused with other normal baby behaviors or colic. IS can appear in different ways. Sometimes they may called “‘flexor spasms” or “jackknife seizures” due to their appearance.

The spasms consist of a sudden stiffening. Often the arms fling out as the knees pull up and the body bends forward.
Less often, the head can be thrown back as the body and legs stiffen in a straight-out position.
Movements can also be more subtle and limited to the neck or other body parts.
Infants may cry during or after the seizure.
Each seizure lasts only a second or two, but they usually occur close together in a series. Sometimes the spasms are mistaken for colic, but the cramps of colic do not occur in a series.
They happen most often just after waking up. They rarely occur during sleep.
Babies with infantile spasms often seem to stop developing as expected. Or they may lose skills like sitting, rolling over, or babbling. Often babies lose interest in their surroundings. They may interact less socially too.

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