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Warning-sign checks

West 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 if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, unless the child's individual emergency plan gives different instructions.

    Emergency help is also needed if seizures continue without the child recovering, breathing becomes difficult, the lips or skin turn blue or grey, there is a serious injury, or the child remains unusually unresponsive.

    Follow the child's seizure plan and seek emergency help when the cluster is unusually prolonged or recovery is poor.

    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 urgent, same-day medical assessment if a baby has new, repeated movements that could be spasms.

    This is especially important when the movements occur in clusters after waking or are accompanied by reduced interaction or loss of skills.

    Also seek urgent advice if:

    • Previously controlled spasms return
    • Seizures become more frequent or look different
    • A child becomes unusually sleepy, weak, or difficult to feed
    • There are possible medicine side effects
    • Development slows or previously gained skills are lost
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Medication questions, sleep problems, feeding concerns, therapy needs, and school planning can usually be discussed during routine follow-up unless there has been a sudden change.

The article also says

A typical cluster contains many very brief spasms, so its total length can be confusing.

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