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Warning-sign checks

Infantile spasms: 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

    If prompt community assessment is not available, attend an emergency department.

    Call emergency services if:

    • A seizure lasts five minutes or longer
    • Repeated seizures occur without the child recovering between them
    • The child has trouble breathing, turns blue, or does not wake normally
    • A seizure happens in water or causes a serious injury
    • You believe the child is seriously unwell
    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

    Contact a medical professional urgently the same day if a baby has repeated, similar crunching, stiffening, head-dropping, or arm-throwing movements.

    This remains urgent even if the baby seems well between episodes.

    Also seek urgent assessment if a child with known infantile spasms develops new seizure movements, begins having clusters again, loses skills, becomes much less responsive, or has concerning treatment side effects.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine questions about development, sleep, therapy, or planned monitoring can usually wait for the child’s regular follow-up appointment unless there is a sudden change.

The article also says

During a seizure, place the child on a safe surface and protect them from injury.

Do not restrain their movements or put anything in their mouth.

Follow any individual seizure plan already provided.

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