Is West syndrome the same as infantile spasms?

Is West syndrome the same as infantile spasms?

The term infantile spasm has been used to describe the seizure type, the epilepsy syndrome, or both. In this article, the term infantile spasm is synonymous with West syndrome.

How is West syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis of West syndrome is made on a combination of the clinical features together with a typical EEG. The EEG shows a very disorganised pattern, called hypsarrhythmia. The EEG is always abnormal in children with West syndrome but sometimes the abnormality is seen only during sleep.

Can you grow out of West syndrome?

The future depends on what caused your baby’s West syndrome. If it’s from an injury, infection, or a condition like tuberous sclerosis complex, they may not fare as well. If there wasn’t another cause and their development was on track before it, their chances of a normal life are a little bit better than 50-50.

Is West syndrome genetic?

Genetics of West syndrome Mutations in least 100 individual genes have been identified so far that cause West syndrome. Some of these genes include CDKL5, SCN2A, SCN8A and STXBP1. Tuberous sclerosis, which is caused by pathogenic variants in the genes TSC1 and TSC2, can also lead to West syndrome.

When do Infantile seizures start?

Most infants with infantile spasms develop a pattern of movements called spasms, sometimes also referred to as epileptic spasms. The most common age for these spasms to begin is between 3 and 6 months of age. They can begin earlier than 3 months and sometimes begin after 12 months of age.

Why do infants have seizures?

Baby seizures happen when an abnormal extra burst of electrical activity occurs between neurons, or brain cells, in a baby’s brain. These can happen for many reasons. Causes may include brain injury, infection, and underlying health conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

What do Infantile seizures look like?

Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies. The spasms look like a sudden stiffening of muscles, and the baby’s arms, legs, or head may bend forward. The seizures occur in a series of short spasms, about one to two seconds in length.