Infantile_Spasm_West_Syndrome_Flashcards
What is the peak incidence age range for infantile spasm (West Syndrome)?
Peak incidence is 3-8 months (90% under 1 year old).
What is the gender prevalence for infantile spasm?
More common in males.
What are the causes and aetiology of infantile spasm?
Symptomatic (any disorder causing brain damage), Genetic syndromes, Congenital infections, Prenatal conditions, Hypoxic/ischaemic/trauma brain damage, Idiopathic.
What are the signs and symptoms of infantile spasm?
Sudden, rapid, tonic contraction of trunk and limb muscles with gradual relaxation over 0.5-2 seconds, ‘salam attacks’, looks like ‘colic’, contractions last 5-10 seconds, occur in clusters, usually associated with waking or before sleeping, psychomotor delay, hyperpigmented skin lesions, growth restriction.
What characterizes the spasms in infantile spasm?
Sudden, rapid, tonic contraction of trunk and limb muscles with gradual relaxation over 0.5-2 seconds.
What is a ‘salam attack’?
A ‘salam attack’ is when the head goes down and arms go up in the air.
How long do the contractions in infantile spasm last?
Contractions last 5-10 seconds.
When do spasms in infantile spasm typically occur?
Spasms occur in clusters, usually associated with waking or before sleeping.
What additional symptoms may accompany infantile spasm?
Psychomotor delay, hyperpigmented skin lesions, growth restriction.
What investigation is used to diagnose infantile spasm?
EEG is used to diagnose infantile spasm.
What is the characteristic EEG finding in infantile spasm?
The characteristic EEG finding is hypsarrhythmia (disordered activity in the brain).
What is the prognosis for infantile spasm?
Poor prognosis.
What are the management options for infantile spasm?
Management options include vigabatrin or corticosteroids.
