Question
What are the effective methods for infantile spasms?
Answer
Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a rare disease. The disease usually begins in children between 4 to 6 months after birth. The convulsions are characterized by sudden, repetitive flexion or extension movements, and the symptoms usually disappear by the age of 2 to 4 years. The medication commonly used for infantile spasms is not very effective, and most children may suffer from serious residual symptoms. Recently, the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society jointly released a treatment guideline for infantile spasms in the journal Neurology (2004?62:1668). The guideline reviews all scientific studies involving the treatment of infantile spasm syndrome and finds that there are not many well-designed prospective studies available. Therefore, more research is needed to answer many questions about the treatment of this disease. The guideline points out that corticotropin (ACTH) has a certain short-term efficacy in treating infantile spasms, but there is currently insufficient evidence to determine the best dosage and the best time for use, and there is also a lack of evidence to support the efficacy of oral corticosteroids in treating infantile spasms.