About West Syndrome
West syndrome (infantile spasms) is an age-specific severe epileptic encephalopathy defined by the triad of epileptic spasms (clusters of brief flexion or extension jerks), hypsarrhythmia on EEG (chaotic high-voltage slow waves with multifocal spikes), and developmental arrest or regression. Onset peaks between 4-8 months of age. ACTH and vigabatrin are established first-line treatments; early treatment initiation is critical for developmental outcomes.
Common Clinical Features
Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips
What to know before applying to West Syndrome trials.
EEG-confirmed hypsarrhythmia and video-EEG documentation of spasm clusters are required for trial enrollment
Age at spasm onset and time from onset to treatment initiation affect prognosis and trial eligibility windows
Prior ACTH or vigabatrin treatment response history is a critical eligibility factor
Underlying etiology (TSC, genetic, structural, cryptogenic) determines eligibility for etiology-specific trials versus general infantile spasm trials
Patient Resources
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