Speech language and hearing aspects in west syndrome: A single-case report

Abstract

West syndrome (WS), or infantile spasms, is a rare type of epilepsy that usually appears in the 1st year of life. It is characterized by a specific type of seizure called a spasm, which involves sudden, brief jerks of the arms, legs, or trunk. These spasms can occur in clusters and may be accompanied by other seizure types. The cause of WS is not clear, but it is thought to be related to abnormal brain development or damage. In some cases, it may be associated with genetic mutations or other underlying conditions such as Down syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, as untreated WS can lead to developmental delays and intellectual disability. In this article, a 2-year and 7-month-old male was diagnosed with WS; his hearing evaluation was carried out to assess the impact of syndrome on audition. Audiological test battery was used which reveals hearing sensitivity within normal limits in both the ears. Speech and language skills development were delayed.