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Providers,
Please share the important message below with your teachers and parents.
Worldwide, it is estimated that a baby is diagnosed with infantile spasms every 12 minutes.
Video of infantile spasms
Infantile spasms (IS) are a medical emergency, and are a rare, but very serious type of seizure. Infantile spasms usually occur in children under age one, are often overlooked, and can cause catastrophic, permanent damage to a child’s developing brain. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical, but this is challenging because Infantile Spasms can be mistaken for normal baby movements like colic, reflux, or a startle reflex.
Because infantile spasms are more subtle than a typical grand mal or “convulsion” seizure, the Child Neurology Foundation convened 26 national and international organizations comprising the Infantile Spasms Action Network who developed ‘STOP’ Infantile Spasms to help people remember what’s most important when recognizing the subtle symptoms of IS:
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See the signs: clusters of sudden, repeated, uncontrolled movements like head bobs or body crunching
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Take a video: record the symptoms and talk to your doctor immediately
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Obtain diagnosis: confirm an irregular brain wave pattern with an EEG test
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Prioritize treatment: end spasms to minimize developmental delays
We ask you to join us in spreading this important message. Parents and caregivers often report that their concerns are not heard by their providers and Infantile Spasms are overlooked, they should feel empowered to pursue more investigation.
During Infantile Spasms Awareness Week (ISAW) 2018, your contribution to this conversation means so much. Take part December 1-7 at #ISAW2018 to learn more about the progress being made in Infantile Spasms. Visit www.ISweek.org for more information, including videos of babies experiencing infantile spasms.
Thank you,
Child Care Licensing
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