Question
What are the causes of infantile spasms? What are the potential Sequelae?
Answer
Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, commonly occur within a few days to 30 months after birth, with a peak incidence before the age of six months. The causes include birth injuries, brain maldevelopment, and congenital factors. This condition not only manifests as whole-body convulsions but may also lead to severe intellectual disabilities. Immediate treatment should be initiated upon diagnosis, as the sooner treatment begins, the less damage there will be to the child’s brain.