The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome)

A severe epileptic encephalopathy of infancy.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome)?

Infantile spasms were first described by West in 1841. The triad of infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia, and developmental regression constitutes West syndrome. Peak onset is at 4-7 months.

Spasms typically occur in clusters on awakening or just before sleep. Flexor (Salaam attacks), extensor, and mixed types occur; spasms per cluster can reach hundreds.

Etiology is broad: tuberous sclerosis, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, congenital malformations, metabolic disease, chromosomal anomalies, and idiopathic forms. ACTH, vigabatrin, and pyridoxine are used; early effective treatment is critical for neurological prognosis.

Symptoms

Clusters of flexion-extension spasms
Frequent attacks on awakening
Developmental regression
Reduced eye contact
Crying and irritability
Sucking and feeding difficulty

Risk Factors

Tuberous sclerosis complex
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Congenital cerebral malformations
Metabolic disease
Perinatal asphyxia
Genetic mutations (ARX, CDKL5)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When clustered contractions are observed in an infant
  • Regression of developmental skills
  • Loss of eye contact and social engagement
  • Unexplained recurrent sudden jerks
  • Follow-up in children with genetic diagnoses such as tuberous sclerosis

Treatment Methods

01
Urgent EEG including sleep recording
02
ACTH or high-dose steroids
03
Vigabatrin (especially in tuberous sclerosis)
04
Ketogenic diet
05
Etiologic workup (metabolic, genetic)
06
Early developmental intervention

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Newborn Care

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.