Question
Is infantile spasm the same as epilepsy?
Answer
Infantile spasm (Ifatile Spasm) is a special type of epilepsy. It typically appears early in life, most frequently between 3 and 9 months after birth, with an incidence rate of about 1 in every 3,000 to 4,000 infants. The clinical manifestations include nodding spasms, lightning-like spasms, and bowing spasms, characterized by short recurrence intervals, frequent recurrence, and particularly the forward flexion of the head and upper body. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive physical examination, electroencephalogram (EEG), CT, MRI, and other auxiliary examinations to determine the cause. Possible causes may include birth injuries, congenital diseases, and brain maldevelopment. Failure to treat promptly can lead to significant delays in intellectual and motor development for the child; however, proper treatment can result in complete recovery with no significant impact on intellectual and motor functions. Treatment principles include a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, repairing damaged brain nerves, boosting immunity, and anti-epileptic medication treatment. Clinical experience summarizes that treatment for pediatric epilepsy must consider individual differences, select medications with minimal impact on the brain, and regularly review and adjust medication dosages to protect intellectual development.