To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system. Support the hospital by making a donation online , joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program , or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back. Our Sites. Epilepsy Center. What Are Infantile Spasms? Without early treatment , IS can cause problems with your child's: Cognition Learning Development The seizures with this type of epilepsy called "spasms" look like quick body jerks , sometimes with head drops or extended arms.
These seizures are brief , but they can occur in clusters. With IS, you may notice your child is: Smiling less Less interactive and engaged in their environment More irritable Unhappy Inconsolable Doctors often confirm the diagnosis of infantile spasms with an electroencephalogram EEG test. In 20 to 30 percent of children with this type of epilepsy, doctors can't find a cause.
Find a Doctor. Contact Us. Pay My Bill. Gender Male Female. Infantile spasms also can happen in babies with some types of metabolic and genetic disorders. In rare cases, a baby's infantile spasms are caused by vitamin B6 deficiency. More and more gene mutations are being linked to infantile spasms. Sometimes, the cause isn't known.
Infantile spasms are diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist a doctor who treats brain, spine and nervous system problems. Testing may include:. Infantile spasms usually are treated with seizure medicines or steroids. If medicines don't control the spasms, a special diet, such as the ketogenic diet , might help.
Sometimes, doctors may recommend surgery. International Infantile Spasms. What are infantile spasms? How we care for infantile spasms The Infantile Spasms Program is dedicated to providing timely evaluation, testing, treatment, and follow-up for infants with new onset infantile spasms, refractory infantile spasms, and later-onset epileptic spasms.
What are the symptoms of infantile spasms? Symptoms may include: a cluster of spasms that may be associated with waking from sleep jackknife seizures, where the body bends forward, the knees are pulled up, and the arms are thrown out to the side a stiffening of the body and legs, with the head thrown back decreased visual alertness In some cases, the symptoms are subtle, such as a mild head nod or quick eye movements. What causes infantile spasms?
How are infantile spasms diagnosed? How are infantile spasms treated? Treatments may include: adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH or high dose prednisolone vigabatrin a specific anti-seizure medication ketogenic diet anti-seizure medications If your child has difficult-to-control spasms, treatment with epilepsy surgery may be an option. What is the long-term outlook for infantile spasms? The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere.
Kevin B. Churchwell, President and CEO. Connect with Boston Children's Hospital.
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