Patient's question:
My child has been tilting their head back and forth recently, and their hands are often stretched backward. They frequently shake unconsciously and display a very anxious expression. When I pick them up, their eyes roll up, and they laugh without realizing it, with their head rotating to one side. I've heard that this condition is likely to be spasmodic, and I feel very scared. At such a young age, if they do get this disease, what are the clinical manifestations of infantile spasms, and what harm will it cause to their growth?Doctor's answer:
Hello, sudden onset of brief generalized muscle spasms, bending of the neck, torso, and legs, with arms rapidly extended forward and outward. Experts from Beijing Rongjun Epilepsy Hospital explain the dangers of infantile spasms, noting that in addition to generalized convulsions, infantile spasms can also lead to intellectual disabilities in children. Once diagnosed, treatment should be initiated immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the less severe the brain damage in the child may be. Currently, the main drugs used to treat infantile spasms are nitrazepam and hormones. If both are used in combination, the therapeutic effect is better. During the medication process, it is important to adhere to a regular dosing schedule for the child to maintain the necessary effective blood concentration.