What is the treatment for West syndrome?
Steroids and anti-seizure medication are the most common treatments. The steroid may have adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and be injected into the muscles. Steroids might also be given in pill form. For some children a specific diet may help their condition.
Is West syndrome treatable?
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.
Can Infantile seizures be cured?
Many children with infantile spasms develop other kinds of epilepsy. (Watch examples of infantile spasms.) “Some of these children can be cured, but successful treatment often depends on prompt diagnosis,” said Hussain.
Is West syndrome a form of epilepsy?
West syndrome is a severe epilepsy syndrome composed of the triad of infantile spasms, an interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern termed hypsarrhythmia, and mental retardation.
When do infantile spasms with West syndrome stop?
These may include: If your child has developmental delays, other types of therapies and assistance may help. These may include occupational therapy and postural aids. Usually, the spasms stop by the time a child is 4 years old. But most people who had West syndrome will have other kinds of epilepsy or seizure conditions when they’re older.
How many seizures does a child with West syndrome have?
West syndrome causes seizures. They last only a few seconds, but they happen in bunches called clusters. There can be as many as 150 seizures in a cluster, and some babies can have up to 60 clusters a day. Sometimes, they don’t happen in clusters at first. Children with West syndrome may have other symptoms such as: This condition is rare.
What kind of epilepsy is called West syndrome?
West syndrome is a type of epilepsy that affects babies. It’s named after the doctor who discovered it. You might hear it called infantile spasms.
When do infantile spasms occur in a seizure?
Spasms tend to occur upon awakening and often occur in multiple clusters and hundreds of seizures per day. Most children, but not all, will have EEG readings of hypsarrhythmia. Infantile spasms usually An epileptic spasm is a specific type of seizure seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and childhood often called West Syndrome.