WEST SYNDROME: Infantile spasms; Salaam attacks; Jackknife convulsions. This syndrome characteristically commences at between three and eight months of age. It may sometimes affect younger children.

It is characterised by a particular form of epilectic seizure - infantile spasms. This is associated with a very abnormal ECG (brain wave recording). It is often associated with a change in behaviour and a slowing of development of the child.

There are many different causes of this condition. These include trauma; anoxia; metabolic disease; infections; malformations and chromosome abnormalities. In about a quarter of cases, no cause is found.

Inheritance patterns: It is usually sporadic but may be due to underlying genetic diseases

Pre-Natal diagnosis: None

Further information available from:

Mrs Ellen Samuel,
West Syndrome Support Group
8 Waddon Close
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 4JT
(Tel: 0181 680 8449)

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The West Syndrome support group was established in 1989 as a contact group and has been further developed with the help of Contact a Family. It offers:

• Linking with other families
• Contact through letter and telephone
• Information on the condition
• Area family network

Activities:

• Annual family day
• Fundraising for group activities

The group represents the interests of over 60 families.