Question

What are the clinical presentations of infantile spasms?

Answer

The clinical presentations of infantile spasms include sudden brief convulsions of the whole body muscles, with flexion of the neck, trunk, and legs, and extension of the arms forward and outward. Experts from the Beijing Military Medical Epilepsy Hospital introduce that the harm of infantile spasms is not only the sudden convulsions but also it can lead to intellectual disabilities in children. Once diagnosed, treatment should be initiated immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the less brain damage the child may suffer. The main drugs used to treat infantile spasms are nitrazepam and hormones. When used together, their efficacy is better. During the medication treatment, it is important to ensure that the child takes their medication regularly to maintain the necessary effective blood concentration.