What does hypsarrhythmia look like on EEG?
The EEG hallmark of infantile spasms is hypsarrhythmia, a disorganized interictal pattern consisting of “random high voltage slow waves and spikes.” The spike discharges are usually multifocal, but when generalized, they are never rhythmically repetitive.
Do babies with infantile spasms meet milestones?
Soon after the spasms begin, parents may notice a number of changes in their baby: Loss of developmental milestones previously learned (e.g., rolling over, sitting, crawling, babbling) Loss of social interactions and smiles. Increased fussiness or silence.
Do infantile spasms cause mental retardation?
Infantile spasms (IS) is “one of the catastrophic childhood epilepsies” due to the difficulty of controlling seizures and the association with mental retardation. Early diagnosis with a careful diagnostic evaluation and proper therapy can obtain a normal development or a much improved situation in some cases [4].
How is hypsarrhythmia treated?
Children with IS typically exhibit epileptic spasms along with the electroencephalographic (EEG) pattern known as hypsarrhythmia. The major options for treatment of IS include hormonal therapy, mainly corticotropin (ACTH), and antiseizure medication, mainly vigabatrin.
What is modified hypsarrhythmia?
Variations of the prototypic pattern (modified hypsarrhythmia) include hypsarrhythmia with increased interhemispheric synchronization, asymmetrical hypsarrhythmia, hypsarrhythmia with a consistent focus of abnormal discharge, hypsarrhythmia with episodes of attenuation, and hypsarrhythmia comprising primarily high- …
Can infantile spasms cause autism?
Press Release. BALTIMORE – A severe form of epilepsy known as infantile spasms may increase the risk of children developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to the condition’s unique seizures and resulting chaotic brainwaves, suggests research being presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting.
What triggers infantile spasm?
Infantile spasms can be caused by problems with the way the brain developed in the womb, infections, brain injury, or abnormal blood vessels in the brain (such as an arteriovenous malformations). Infantile spasms also can happen in babies with some types of metabolic and genetic disorders.
Can a baby with infantile spasms live a normal life?
The Etiologic Diagnosis An etiologic diagnosis is very important because it can lead to initiation of a specific therapy that may markedly improve the long-term developmental outcome. In fact, some children with infantile spasms may ultimately lead normal lives, but only if they are diagnosed and treated correctly.
Is there a cure for infantile spasms?
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.
Does West syndrome go away?
There is no cure for West syndrome, so unfortunately, the only treatment is to reduce symptoms. West syndrome treatments usually include a course of prednisolone and/or an anti-epileptic medication. In a few individuals, surgery in the brain may help reduce symptoms.