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Infantile Spasms Synonym(s): Reviewed 07-01-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What are Infantile Spasms?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations Related NINDS Publications and Information What are Infantile Spasms? Infantile spasm (IS) is a rare seizure disorder of infancy and early childhood. The onset is predominantly in the first year of life. Characteristic features of IS, sometimes called West syndrome, include myoclonic seizures, hypsarrhythmia (abnormal, chaotic electroencephalogram), and mental retardation. The spasms are described as sudden, brief contractions of one or more muscle groups, and may be followed by a longer (less than 10 seconds) tonic phase. Most often the spasms occur in clusters during which the intensity or the frequency of the spasms may increase progressively to a peak, decline, or cease. The clusters tend to occur soon after arousal from sleep. They are not a feature of falling asleep. The spasms usually involve the muscles of the neck, trunk, and extremities. The intensity of the contraction and the number of muscle groups involved varies in different attacks and from infant to infant. Neurological abnormalities other than seizures and retardation--such as cerebral atrophy, congenital abnormalities and hydrocephalus--are commonly reported among patients with IS. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Epilepsy Foundation
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Related NINDS Publications and Information
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