Infantile Spasms
Infantile Spasms - also known as West’s syndrome, or ‘salaam disorder’, because of the position the infant adopts, appearing to ‘salaam’ as it bends forward at the waist and stretches out its arms - are often due to an underlying brain abnormality or metabolic disorder (see inborn errors of metabolism in brain developmental disorders in the head section). Many cases, however, have no apparent cause. The spasms, often numbering dozens per day, are accompanied by bizarre and chaotic electrical activity in the brain. There is effective treatment available using anti-epilepsy agents, and in those with no underlying abnormality the outlook is good. In others, such as those with structural defects like tuberous sclerosis, where there are deposits of calcium in the brain, development may be affected.
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