INFANTILE SPASMS AWARENESS WEEK 2024

Together We Can STOP Infantile Spasms!

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

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.

During ISAW, the Infantile Spasms Action Network (ISAN) does a concentrated awareness effort centered around the STOP Infantile Spasms mnemonic. With the mnemonic as the centerpiece for awareness, we have reached over 195 million due to the collective efforts of ISAN.

Sadly, many primary care doctors and parents alike are not familiar with the signs and symptoms of infantile spasms. So, many children with infantile spasms do not receive treatment during the critical window within the weeks and months after the emergence of symptoms.

That’s why it’s critical for everyone to know the signs to STOP Infantile Spasms.

INFANTILE SPASMS ARE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY

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.

Watch this 2-minute video to learn what infantile spasms look like — it could save your child’s life.

Epilepsy Canada is proud to be a part of the Infantile Spasms Action Network. This coalition of organizations is committed to raising vital awareness about IS and it’s impacts on children.

Infantile Spasms Action Network