Infantile spasms (West's syndrome)

What are infantile spasms (West's syndrome)?

Infantile spasm, sometimes known as West Syndrome, is a very rare form of childhood epilepsy. The spasms often begin between 3 and 12 months of age and usually consist of a sudden bending forward of the body with stiffening of the arms and legs; some children arch their backs as they extend their arms and legs.

We were the first such program in the country to be certified by the Joint Commission, the nation’s preeminent standard-setting accrediting and certifying regulatory body in healthcare. Our interdisciplinary medical team has the experience to not only comprehensively diagnose children with this condition, but we remain the area’s only center to perform the most advanced procedures and therapies for the treatment of epilepsy.

Because this condition affects your child and your family, you will be glad to know we provide care for the whole family, including education and support.

In addition, the Epilepsy Center works with referring physicians and area emergency departments to:

• Provide seizure safety education programs

• Expedite appointments in order to get your child evaluated quick

Infantile spasms (West's syndrome) were first itentified by Dr. William James West, a British physician) in 1841.

What are the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms (West's syndrome)?

Symptoms of infantile spasm may be difficult to spot because they can look like a typical startle reflex or head bobbing, or seem like colic or reflux. Spasms tend to occur upon awakening or after feeding, and often occur in clusters of up to 100 spasms at a time. Infants may have dozens of clusters and several hundred spasms per day.

Early diagnosis of the condition is important for treatment success.

How are infantile spasms (West's syndrome) diagnosed?

To diagnose infantile spasm, your physician will do a detailed physical exam of your child, which may include an electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG helps determine where in the brain the spasms are coming from and if your child has epilepsy. An EEG is performed by placing electrodes on the scalp and recording the electrical activity of the brain.

What are the causes of infantile spasms (West's syndrome)?

Infantile spasm is usually caused by an injury or disease of the brain, including infections and genetic disorders. In about 30 percent of children with the condition, no cause is determined.

How are infantile spasms (West's syndrome) treated?

If your child is diagnosed with infantile spasm, it is important to begin the right treatment as quickly as possible to eliminate the spasms. When treatment is started early, babies are more likely to respond and remain seizure-free.

For most children, medications such as hormones, corticosteroids or antiepileptic drugs can effectively control the spasms. A ketogenic diet, a regimen of high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods, may also be prescribed.