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What Causes Stereotypical Behaviors While Suffering From Seizure?
Question: My son is on treatment for Infantile spasms. As part of that doctor has asked us to continuously monitor his to see if he gets ant fits. Lately we started observing that he was jerking his head, neck and part of chest 3-5 times very often. about 8-10 times a day. That looked similar to fits that he was getting when Infantile Spasms were detected i.e. he used to drop his head very fast multiple time. We recorded the video and showed to doctor. he said its not fit but stereotypical jerks and no need to change medicine. however he did not explain what they are. Can you please tell me what "stereotypical jerks" are? What causes them? What the problems that child can get into due to this? Are they related to infantile spasms as well? Are they indication of any other problem?
Brief Answer:
These are a part of his problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
From your history and your neurologist observation of stereotypical movement,
1. These movement are also called automatism which is common in seizure disorders like infantile spasms.
2.The same reason why infantile spasm occur ( intracranial problem, sometimes no cause found), causes these.
3. If severe may need to increase the dose of antiepileptic drugs. Encorate is effective against these.
If very severe and troublesome consult your doctor again and ask him if dose of Encorate has to be increased.
Personally I would advice you to continue your prescription as of now.
These do not indicate any separate problem.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
These are a part of his problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
From your history and your neurologist observation of stereotypical movement,
1. These movement are also called automatism which is common in seizure disorders like infantile spasms.
2.The same reason why infantile spasm occur ( intracranial problem, sometimes no cause found), causes these.
3. If severe may need to increase the dose of antiepileptic drugs. Encorate is effective against these.
If very severe and troublesome consult your doctor again and ask him if dose of Encorate has to be increased.
Personally I would advice you to continue your prescription as of now.
These do not indicate any separate problem.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks doctor for response. We are just confused for following:
1. why did doctor not tell us that these are also a concern.
2. Doctor actually lowered his encorate dosage from 5 ml -5ml to 2.5ml-5 ml We were expecting it to atleast remain same considering that these jerks have started where as for long time he was not having any fits / jerks.
Another question is typically how long infantile spasms take to treat? We are concerned whether my child would be free from this ever ?
1. why did doctor not tell us that these are also a concern.
2. Doctor actually lowered his encorate dosage from 5 ml -5ml to 2.5ml-5 ml We were expecting it to atleast remain same considering that these jerks have started where as for long time he was not having any fits / jerks.
Another question is typically how long infantile spasms take to treat? We are concerned whether my child would be free from this ever ?
Brief Answer:
May take years
Detailed Answer:
1. As with any seizure treatment the primary aim is to maintain the lowest possible dose of drug to avoid side effects. As the spasms are under control it is not wrong to decrease the dose. You need not worry. AAutomatisms are part of this disease but does not require aggressive treatment unless very severe.
You can follow up with him after a month or so for reassessment.
2. May take years together for treatment. Keep your hopes alive.
Get regular checkups and continue medications as advised.
Wishing your child recovery
Regards
May take years
Detailed Answer:
1. As with any seizure treatment the primary aim is to maintain the lowest possible dose of drug to avoid side effects. As the spasms are under control it is not wrong to decrease the dose. You need not worry. AAutomatisms are part of this disease but does not require aggressive treatment unless very severe.
You can follow up with him after a month or so for reassessment.
2. May take years together for treatment. Keep your hopes alive.
Get regular checkups and continue medications as advised.
Wishing your child recovery
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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