Infantile Spasm (West Syndrome) Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 11, 2019
  • Author: Tracy A Glauser, MD; Chief Editor: Stephen L Nelson, Jr, MD, PhD, FAACPDM, FAAN, FAAP, FANA  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What causes infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which prenatal disorders are associated with infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which perinatal disorders are associated with infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which postnatal disorders are associated with infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which disorder is the most common cause of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the prevalence of symptomatic epilepsy in children with infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is cryptogenic infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is idiopathic infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What are the genetic causes of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the prevalence of infantile spasm (West syndrome) in the US?

What is the global prevalence of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which patient groups have the highest prevalence of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the prognosis of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What are the favorable prognostic factors of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What are the mortality rates of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which findings on a general physical exam are characteristic of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which neurologic exam findings are characteristic of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which ophthalmic exam findings are characteristic of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which dermatologic exam findings are characteristic of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Workup

How is tuberous sclerosis diagnosed in infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which lab tests are performed prior to initiating therapy for infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of lumbar puncture in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of MRI in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of EEG in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of interictal electroencephalogram in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What is the role of ictal electroencephalogram in the workup of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Treatment

How is infantile spasm (West syndrome) treated?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Medications

What are the treatment goals for infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which medications are used in the first-line treatment of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which medications are used in second-line treatment of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

What are the possible complications of infantile spasm (West syndrome)?

Which medications in the drug class Vitamins are used in the treatment of Infantile Spasm (West Syndrome)?

Which medications in the drug class Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of Infantile Spasm (West Syndrome)?

Which medications in the drug class Anticonvulsants, Other are used in the treatment of Infantile Spasm (West Syndrome)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Infantile Spasm (West Syndrome)?