Infantile Spasms

These seizures are generalized in nature. They last several seconds at a time, but can occur many times in the course of a day. The arms are suddenly flexed, the legs extended and the trunk is flexed forward.

These seizures may be associated with developmental abnormalities. These children have these type of seizures only during the first 3 years of their lives during which the brain is still growing fast, but they can get other forms of epilepsy later in life.

Treatment:

Infantile spasms are treated with Clonazepam (brand names: Rivotril, Clonapam) or Valproic acid (brand names: Depakene, Deproic, Epival, Epiject,Alti-Valproic). Occasionally the child neurologist might use corticosteroids for about 8 to 10 weeks as this has been found to be useful. Alternatively, the stress hormone, ACTH, has been found useful, which is administered intramuscularly.

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Disclaimer

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References

1. F Zara et al. Am J Hum Gen 2000 May 66(5): 1552-1557.

2. S Yeung et al. Europ J Paediatr Neurol 2000; 4(1): 31-33.

3. LS Leung et al. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2000 Sep 24(7): 763-775.

4. DJ Yen et al. Epilepsia 2000 Sep 41(9) 1162-1166.

5. E Starreveld et al. Can Fam Physician 2000 Sep 46: 1817-1823.

6. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 172.

7. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 271, p.2415.

Last Modified: Dec. 21, 2007