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Infantile Spasms (IS)

IS is a catastrophic form of epilepsy. Prompt diagnosis and accurate treatment are the key to successful treatment!

Infantile spasms are caused by a condition in a baby’s brain and include repetitive, but often subtle movements—such as jerking of the mid-section, dropping of the head, raising of the arms or wide-eyed blinks. IS can be misdiagnosed as colic, reflux, or a startle reflex.


Spread the Word!

Infantile spasms (IS) are subtle, but serious, seizures that occur in infants as the result of a neurological condition. Worldwide, it’s estimated that a baby is diagnosed with IS every 12 minutes. We’re coming together for Infantile Spasms Awareness Week (Dec. 1-7) to raise awareness for this serious medical emergency. Together, with your help, we can more quickly diagnose Infantile Spasms. For more info visit www.isweek.org and join the conversation at #ISAW2018.


Prompt diagnosis and treatment...
are critical, but this is challenging because infantile spasms can be mistaken for normal baby movements or other disorders that don’t demand urgency.

  • Parents and caregivers often report that their concerns are not heard by their providers and infantile spasms are overlooked, but they should feel empowered to pursue more investigation.
  • The earlier a child is diagnosed, the greater the chances that the spasms can be effectively treated.

    • For more information on Infantile Spasms and videos visit the Child Neurology Foundation website.


    Other seizure types are common in individuals with Infantile Spasms...



    Some of the medication used to treat Infantile Spasms ...



    Most common IS assiciated diagnonsis in Seizure Tracker users...


    DNAA clinical trial is recruiting newly diagnosed infants (aged 1-24 months) with infantile spasms to see if cannabidiol (CBD), used in combination with Vigabatrin for the treatment of IS, is better than Vigabatrin alone. To learn more, visit: www.childneurologyfoundation.org/providers-or-researchers/clinical-trials-directory

    Data Share toolUsing the Infantile Spasms count and severity tool on Seizure Tracker...
    Seizure Tracker users can record Infantile Spasms as a seizure type in their event diary. Spasm counts along with severity levels can be included and shared within the extensive reporting capabilities on the site.

See the signs - Clusters of sudden, repeated, uncontrolled movements like head bobs or body crunching

Take a video - Record the symptoms and talk to your doctor immediately

Obtain diagnosis - Confirm an irregular brain wave pattern with an EEG test

Prioritize treatment - End spasms to minimize developmental delays


ISWeek Partner
What is Hypsarrhythmia?
Hypsarrhythmia [hips-a-rith-me-ya] is a disorganized, chaotic pattern of brain waves that occurs in children with infantile spasms (IS) but not in other seizure disorders.

Other helpful links:
Child Neurology Foundation
Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance
Infantile Spasms Project
NINDS