infantile spasms


infantile spasms

An epilepsy-like syndrome affecting babies in the first year of life. The baby suddenly flexes the neck and trunk as if bowing (salaam attacks), the arms are thrown out and the legs are either extended sharply or drawn up. The spasm last for only a second or so but may be frequent. Possible causes include a congenital brain defect, brain injury at birth, prenatal infection, the effects of earlier meningitis or untreated PHENYLKETONURIA. In many cases no such cause is found. The outlook is often poor.