What is IS
Infantile Spasms (IS) are a medical emergency. Infantile spasms are a rare, but very serious type of seizure. Infantile spasms are caused by a condition in a baby’s brain and include repetitive, but often subtle movements—such as jerking of the mid-section, dropping of the head, raising of the arms or wide-eyed blinks. IS can be misdiagnosed as colic, reflux, or a startle reflex.
If you recognize these movements in your child and are not sure of the next steps the Peer Support Specialists from Child Neurology Foundation’s Family Support and Empowerment Program are here to help. Please contact us at /fsep/
Although awareness efforts are year-round, Infantile Spasms Awareness Week (ISAW) is held annually on December 1-7. During ISAW 2017, the Infantile Spasms Action Network (ISAN) introduced the STOP Infantile Spasms mnemonic. With the mnemonic as the centerpiece for 2017 awareness, we reached over 195 million due to the collective efforts of ISAN.
This helpful mnemonic tool – an easily remembered acronym—is STOP Infantile Spasms:
See the signs: Clusters of sudden, repeated, uncontrolled movements like head bobs or body crunching.
Take a video: Record the symptoms and talk to your doctor immediately.
Obtain diagnosis: Confirm an irregular brain wave pattern with an EEG test.
Prioritize treatment: End spasms to minimize developmental delays
Know the signs to ‘STOP’ Infantile Spasms. Identifying spasms is critical for parents, caregivers and providers.
