Infantile Spasms Program |Overview
The Infantile Spasms Program at Boston Children’s Hospital cares for children withinfantile spasms, a type of seizure that occurs in babies. The spasms most often begin between 3 and 8 months, but can start any time before age 1. The seizures don’t last long — often 1 to 2 seconds — and may occur in clusters.
In most cases, infantile spasms usually stop by age 4 or 5, but the child may start having othertypes of seizures. Babies with infantile spasms may also have developmental delays orautism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Our depth of experience in infantile spasms
Our clinicians in the Infantile Spasms program have much experience caring for children with this specific type of seizure. We provide clinical and research expertise including:
- expedited evaluation of babies with suspected infantile spasms
- the most effective treatments for infantile spasms
- consultations for starting the ketogenic diet
- surgical options for children who need surgery
- a comprehensive genetic and metabolic evolution
- standardized development assessment and early recognition of signs of ASD
- access to a range of support services, including social workers and nursing
How we care for infantile spasms
The Infantile Spasms Program is dedicated to providing timely evaluation, testing, treatment and follow-up for infants with new infantile spasms, refractory infantile spasms, and later-onsetepileptic spasms. We offer a full range of epilepsy care, including medication-based and dietary treatment for spasms.
Our center performs epilepsy surgery in eligible children of all ages, including infants.
We are aLevel 4Epilepsy Center, recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, and one of the few Level 4 Epilepsy Centers in the country dedicated to caring for children. Our center performs epilepsy surgery in eligible children including infants.
Why choose the Infantile Spams Program?
When you choose the Infantile Spasms Program at Boston Children’s, your child will receive comprehensive care from a team of experienced clinicians who specialize in caring for children with seizures. Our team includes neurologists, neurology and epilepsy nurse practitioners, social workers, and a neurodevelopmental disabilities specialist.