About Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms (IS) is a rare and specific type of seizure disorder also known as West syndrome. IS usually begins within the first year of life. Children with IS typically have:
- A specific type of seizure (called spasms)
- A chaotic brain-wave pattern called hypsarrhythmia (hips-a-rith-me-ya)
The spasms are described as sudden, uncontrolled movements of the neck, body, arms, and legs that last only for a few seconds.
You may see the following:
- Repetitive forward head nodding or bobbing
- Bowing from the waist when sitting
- Drawing up of knees when lying down
- Extending or stiffening of the neck, trunk, arms, and legs
- Crossing arms across body as if self-hugging
- Thrusting arms to the side, elbows bent
Spasms are most common during the early morning or when your child wakes up from naps. Often, IS is mistaken for colic. Colic frequently begins at the same time each day. Children with colic will cry, tend to lift their legs repeatedly with their hands clenched, and may have a swollen stomach.
