Patient's question:
My child suffers from infantile spasms, and we are currently using ACTH to control the condition. It has been 13 days now, and tomorrow will be the last day of medication. The doctor cannot guarantee that there won't be further episodes in the future. I would like to ask if you have any better treatment options.Doctor's answer:
1) Genuflexion spasms: They are characterized by sudden, brief episodes of generalized muscle spasms, causing bending of the neck, trunk, and legs, as well as adduction or abduction. The arms are rapidly extended forward and outward in an embrace-like manner.2) Nodding spasms: They involve recurrent nodding motions.
3) Lightning-like spasms: The duration is extremely short, making them difficult to notice unless one is paying attention.
Infantile spasms have five characteristic manifestations:
1) The duration of a single episode is short, lasting 2 to 10 seconds.
2) Generalized flexion, particularly of the head and upper body.
3) Frequent episodes, occurring multiple times a day, with each episode potentially consisting of multiple or even dozens of repetitions.
4) The episodes typically occur just as the infant falls asleep or wakes up, when consciousness is still hazy, and may be accompanied by loss of consciousness, sweating, cyanosis of the face, and fatigue and drowsiness.
5) The electroencephalogram (EEG) during episodes shows varying patterns, while the interictal period is often characterized by typical hypsarrhythmia.
This condition usually ceases within 1.5 years of age. After the cessation of episodes, some may evolve into other types of spasms. Over 90% of affected children experience delayed intellectual and motor development. Treatment with hormones is generally most effective.