Infantile spasms or West syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy, which occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 children. It usually starts between 2 and 12 months of age and peaks at around 4 to 8 years of age. The main symptoms are sudden seizures occurring in quick succession with each seizure lasting a few seconds. While these seizures can last just a few seconds, they can occur very close together with each seizure lasting several minutes in a row. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent damage to the brain.
The causes of infantile spasm are not fully understood. This has been linked to a deficiency in the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is responsible for controlling neurons during REM sleep, a sleep pattern associated with the brain.
Infant cramps can be treated with medications such as valium or benzodiazepines. They can help reduce the frequency of seizures and thus reduce the severity of seizures, but they cannot completely control seizures. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected area.
Fortunately, there are other ways to treat childhood cramps.
A holistic approach to epilepsy is known to be effective in treating these disorders
A holistic approach to epilepsy involves a complete change in diet and lifestyle. Eating foods rich in essential nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, helps balance a baby's chemistry, helping to prevent certain brain injuries.
Chiropractic, also known as therapeutic manipulation, is an alternative treatment for seizures in infants. An experienced chiropractor will use hand movements and spinal manipulation to help the child relax, improve breathing, and stimulate the nervous system so that seizures are less likely. take place.
Physical stimulation, such as massage, is another important part of treating infantile spasms. Massaging your child regularly is believed to help regulate the child's central nervous system, help calm the child, and reduce the frequency of seizures.
However, there is no evidence that chiropractic care for infantile spasm results in permanent brain damage. In most cases, the procedure is known to improve the child's development and brain function.
In addition to natural cures, there are certain herbal remedies that have been proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of infantile spasm. They include the herbal tea tree oil, which have antispasmodic properties, and the Chinese herb called gingko biloba, which is thought to help. increase the oxygenation of the brain and reduce stress.
Certain types of medications may also help. While they are usually not intended for long term use, some pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, and others, may help in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
Prescription medicines and non-prescription medicines can also be used to treat epilepsy in infants. For example, valprotopazole, chlorpromazine and pentobarbital (Lopinavir) are drugs used to treat seizures in adults. Also available are drugs such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and thalidomide.
Seizure medications are only part of the total treatment for infantile spasm. There are other treatments as well. The goal of these treatments is to prevent and treat seizures in order to minimize the occurrence of more seizures. Medications are generally only given if a seizure occurs.
There is no known cure for epilepsy in infants, but these natural methods of treating seizures can provide long-term relief. Natural remedies are a better choice than drugs and other forms of treatment because they do not cause side effects. In fact, they are often very safe to use and often, in combination with other forms of treatment, are much more effective than drugs.