Infantile myoclonic encephalopathy: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if the child:
Has trouble breathing or turns blue or grey
Cannot be woken or is much less responsive than usual
Has a seizure that does not stop promptly
Has repeated seizures without recovering between them
Develops sudden severe weakness or suffers a serious injury
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical assessment for a child who develops new chaotic eye movements, repeated unexplained jerks, sudden severe unsteadiness, loss of previously learned skills, or a marked change in behaviour and sleep.
These symptoms have several possible causes and need proper evaluation.
For a child with an established diagnosis, contact the specialist team promptly if symptoms return, worsen during an infection, or increase while treatment is being reduced.
New fever, unusual bruising, persistent vomiting, or other possible medicine side effects should also be reported.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is still important when symptoms are stable.
Planned visits monitor development, learning, movement, possible tumour concerns, and the effects of immune treatment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Infantile myoclonic encephalopathy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.