Several types of epilepsy begin in infancy. The most common type of infantile epilepsy is infantile spasms, clusters of seizures that usually begin before the age of 6 months. During these seizures the infant may bend and cry out. Anticonvulsant drugs often do not work for infantile spasms, but the seizures can be treated with ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) or prednisone.
I'd suggest that you pursue a diagnosis and seek help from a pediatric neurologist. If you suspect something more you might also contact these associations which can help advise you. Information also is available from the following organizations:
BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE)
730 N. Franklin
Suite 404
Chicago, IL 60610
info@CUREepilepsy.org
http://www.CUREepilepsy.org
Tel: 312-255-1801
Fax: 312-255-1809
Non-profit grassroots organization formed by parents and families to raise funds for epilepsy research.
Epilepsy Foundation
8301 Professional Place
Landover, MD 20785-7223
postmaster@efa.org
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Tel: 301-459-3700 800-EFA-1000 (332-1000)
Fax: 301-577-2684
National charitable organization dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy. Works for children and adults affected by seizures through education, advocacy, services, and research towards a cure. Offers a Legal Defense Program through a fund.
Epilepsy Institute
257 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
website@epilepsyinstitute.org
http://www.epilepsyinstitute.org
Tel: 212-677-8550
Fax: 212-677-5825
Non-profit organization that provides comprehensive social services and resources for people with epilepsy and their families.
Parents Against Childhood Epilepsy (PACE)
7 East 85th Street
Suite A3
New York, NY 10028
pacenyemail@aol.com
http://www.paceusa.org
Tel: 212-665-PACE (7223)
Fax: 212-327-3075
Non-profit research resource that provides information and support to families of children with epilepsy.
National Council on Patient Information and Education
4915 St. Elmo Avenue
Suite 505
Bethesda, MD 20814-6082
ncpie@ncpie.info
http://www.talkaboutrx.org
Tel: 301-656-8565
Fax: 301-656-4464
Coalition of nearly 150 organizations committed to safer, more effective medicine use through better communication. Additional website is
www.bemedwise.org
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
Federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.
Charlie Foundation to Help Cure Pediatric Epilepsy
1223 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite #815
Santa Monica, CA 90403
ketoman@aol.com
http://www.charliefoundation.org
Tel: 800-FOR-KETO (367-5386) 310-395-6751
Fax: 310-393-1978
Non-profit organization that raises money for scientific research focusing on the ketogenic diet. Offers education programs and materials for families and dieticians.
Epilepsy Therapy Development Project
11921 Freedom Drive
Suite 730
Reston, VA 20190
EpilepsyCure@aol.com
http://www.epilepsytdp.org
Tel: 703-437-4250
Fax: 703-437-4288
Nonprofit corporation that works to advance new treatments for people living with epilepsy. Supports innovative research in academia and industry. Provides information through the
www.epilepsy.com website.
