Infantile spasms

Definition

Syndrome characterised by the subacute onset of brief, repeated seizures with axial or limb flexion, occurring in clusters. EEG shows hypsarrhythmia, i.e., chaotic, high voltage slowing multifocal spikes, with ictal abrupt decremental pattern. Various structural brain pathologies may be present, or no cause may be found. Two-thirds of children have subsequent cognitive deficits.

Index Terms