Small seizures with big consequences. Infantile spasms or 'west syndrome' is a devastating diagnosis for any family and can so easily be missed. Listen to Jen and Amy discuss the health visitors role in supporting the family with identification of this tricky and subtle disorder as well as being alongside them through diagnosis, treatment and supporting the development of the child as they grow.
For comments and suggestions please do email us at iamahealthvisitor@gmail.com
Resources and Further Reading:
UK Infantile Spasms Trust:
https://ukinfantilespasmstrust.org/about-infantile-spasms/
https://ukinfantilespasmstrust.org/ukistwp/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/UKIST-Information-Guide.pdf
Epilepsy Action:
https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/syndromes/west-syndrome-infantile-spasms
Infantile Spasms Trust YouTube channel for example videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIZdN9LjQrYF7EwT16cuhmw
Pavone et al 2020 academic review article:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10072-020-04600-5
Sheilds 2006 "little seizures, big consequences". Clinical summary article:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1464162/