The prevalence of seizures in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) is higher than in the general population. Rates of epilepsy in DS range from 1-13%. Forty percent of individuals develop seizures before 1 year of age and another 40% develop in their thirties or later. Boys have an earlier age of onset.

How common are infantile spasms in Down syndrome?

The clinical seizures present as a sudden flexion, extension, or mixed extension-flexion of predominantly proximal and truncal muscles. Infantile spasms is the most common seizure type occurring in children with Down syndrome with an overall prevalence of 2.5% to 3.1%.

What does an infantile seizure look like?

Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies. The spasms look like a sudden stiffening of muscles, and the baby’s arms, legs, or head may bend forward. The seizures occur in a series of short spasms, about one to two seconds in length.

Will infantile spasms always show on EEG?

Infantile spasms are a very specific type of seizure with a characteristic age of onset (a typical age when seizures start). They are nearly always accompanied by a very characteristic pattern on the electroencephalogram (EEG).

Is infantile spasms an epileptic seizure?

Infantile spasms usually An epileptic spasm is a specific type of seizure seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and childhood often called West Syndrome. These are more commonly called infantile spasms (IS) since they are seen most often in the first year of life.

Is it normal for babies eyes to twitch?

Generally, these twitches are perfectly normal. In fact, some researchers now believe that these myoclonic twitches help babies transform their rudimentary movements into coordinated movements.

At what age do infantile spasms start?

Most infants with infantile spasms develop a pattern of movements called spasms, sometimes also referred to as epileptic spasms. The most common age for these spasms to begin is between 3 and 6 months of age. They can begin earlier than 3 months and sometimes begin after 12 months of age.