Infantile Spasms (IS) are a medical emergency. Infantile spasms are a rare, but very serious type of seizure. 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.

Together we can STOP Infantile Spasms!

Although awareness efforts are year-round, Infantile Spasms Awareness Week (ISAW) is held annually on December 1-7.

During ISAW 2017, the Infantile Spasms Action Network (ISAN) introduced the STOP Infantile Spasms mnemonic, an easy-to-remember acronym that is meant to help caregivers know what to do in the event of an IS.

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

For more information on Infantile Spasms, visit our Infantile Spasms Awareness page.