What are the symptoms of west syndrome (infantile spasm)?

Symptoms of WEST SYNDROME (INFANTILE SPASM) are: (1) Repetitive movements e.g. head-shaking, nodding. (2) Child is developing slower than his or her peers. (3) History of epilepsy. (4) Seizure. (5) Losing consciousness

West Syndrome (Infantile Spasm) Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Yuta Sasaoka, MD (Pediatrics)

Dr. Sasaoka graduated from the Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine. After working in the Department of Pediatrics at Hakodate Municipal Hospital, the Emergency Center at Hakodate Municipal Hospital, and the Department of Emergency Medicine at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's General Medical Center, he joined the Sapporo Medical University Advanced Emergency Medical Center in April 2020. Dr. Sasaoka is well versed in pediatric emergency medicine, covering a wide range of pediatrics and emergency medicine. He is also a certified AHA-PALS instructor and focuses on pediatric secondary life support education at the Hokkaido Training Site.

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Learn more about West syndrome (infantile spasm)

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is west syndrome (infantile spasm)?

A type of epilepsy (recurrent seizures) that occurs in young children. It is the result of damage to the developing brain, with various causes like chromosomal abnormalities (e.g. Down's syndrome), brain malformations, or infections of the brain.

Symptoms of west syndrome (infantile spasm)

Repetitive movements e.g. head-shaking, nodding
Child is developing slower than his or her peers
History of epilepsy
Seizure
Losing consciousness

Questions your doctor may ask to check for west syndrome (infantile spasm)

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose west syndrome (infantile spasm)

Do you have repetitive movements such as head shaking or nodding?
Is your child's development slow compared to his/her peers?
Have you ever been diagnosed with epilepsy?
Have you had a seizure?
Have you currently regained consciousness after temporarily losing consciousness?

Treatment for west syndrome (infantile spasm)

Treatment aims to reduce the frequency of seizures. Options include hormone therapy, a type of diet known as ketogenic diet, and anti-seizure medications.