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Warning-sign checks

Aicardi syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for a seizure lasting five minutes or longer unless the child’s emergency plan gives different instructions.

    Emergency help is also needed for repeated seizures without recovery, severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray coloring, a serious injury, or failure to become responsive as expected after a seizure.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for new clusters of possible spasms, a clear increase in seizures, loss of skills, repeated choking, poor intake, unexplained sleepiness, or new breathing symptoms.

    Suspected infantile spasms in a baby should be assessed urgently rather than waiting for a routine visit.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up commonly involves neurology, primary care, ophthalmology, rehabilitation services, and developmental or educational teams.

    Some children also need gastroenterology, nutrition, pulmonology, orthopedics, or sleep medicine.

    As children grow, follow-up should include planning for school support, equipment needs, puberty, transition to adult medical services, and future decision-making.

    Genetic counseling may be revisited if testing methods or knowledge about the condition change.

The article also says

Appointments may review seizure frequency, medicine effects, growth, nutrition, bowel habits, sleep, breathing, mobility, pain, vision, and communication.

Keeping a seizure diary or short video of unusual movements can help the clinician understand what is happening.

Videos should be recorded only when it is safe to do so.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Aicardi syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.