Question

Where is the best place to treat baby spasms?

Answer

Baby spasms may be related to birth injuries, newborn asphyxia, viral encephalitis, intrauterine infection, congenital toxoplasmosis, congenital brain development anomalies, and certain metabolic diseases. In addition to generalized seizures, they can also lead to intellectual disabilities in children. Once diagnosed, treatment should begin immediately. The earlier treatment starts, the less brain damage may occur. The main treatment medications currently are nitrazepam and hormones, with better effects when used together. During medication, it is important to maintain regular dosing to keep the necessary effective blood concentration. To prevent recurrence and transformation into grand mal seizures or psychomotor recurrence, even if recurrence stops completely, the medication dose should continue to be maintained for 2-4 years under physician guidance, gradually reducing the dose until discontinuation. In addition, parents should pay special attention that when the child begins medication, a hospital follow-up should be scheduled every 2-3 weeks initially, and then every 3-6 months thereafter. At the same time, closely monitor for medication side effects and regularly check liver and kidney function as well as blood routine tests. If any abnormalities are found, timely further measures should be taken.