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Early diagnosis of infantile spasms (IS) is crucial for successful treatment because common anti-seizure drugs may not work.
The goals of IS treatment are to:
The two standard treatments for IS are hormone therapy (ACTH or steroids) or a drug called vigabatrin (Sabril®).
The choice of medicine depends on the cause of your child's IS.
There are side effects of each treatment and parents should watch their child closely.
When treatment works, spasms will stop within two weeks, and your child's brain waves on the EEG test will improve.
If your child doesn't respond to either hormone treatments or vigabatrin, further treatment options include:
IS, like other epileptic encephalopathies, have a strong link to developmental delay and behavioral and cognitive problems.
It's vital to seek medical help as soon as possible because early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. Starting treatment sooner has a positive impact on later development and gives children the best chance for a successful outcome.
To learn more about IS, make an appointment, or request an evaluation, call UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at 412-692-5520.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With myCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.