Disability Awareness Observance Calendar
December
Disability Awareness: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Date: December 3
Ribbon Color: None
Purpose: the day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities and all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Disability Awareness: Infantile Spasm Awareness Week (West syndrome)
Date: December 1-7
Ribbon Color: purple ribbon with flowers attached
Purpose: is celebrated annually from December 1st to the 7th to educate the public about infantile spasms. More than 30 international organizations work to raise awareness.
What is West’s Syndrome?
The average onset generally begins at an average age of 6 months. Symptoms may include a pattern of an infant bending forward with a stiffening of the body, including the arms and the legs. Each episode generally last for a few seconds. These episodes typically occur in clusters that can last up to 20 minutes.
Causes
- Trauma
- Brain malfunctions
- Infections
- Down syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
Statistics and Facts
West syndrome occurs 1 in every 2,000 to 6,000 live births, which peak between the ages of 4 and 7 months old. 90 percent of incidences occur before the age of 1 year. West syndrome accounts for approximately 30 percent of incidences involving infants. Boys are more likely to be affected than girls.
Other Know Names
- Infantile Spasms
History
Initially discovered in the 1840’s by Dr. William James West when he noticed his own son, James E. West showed the characteristics of “bobbings” that caused a complete heaving of the head towards his knees and then immediately relaxing to the upright position. Dr. West originally coined the phenomena as “Salaam Tics”.
Diagnosis and Testing
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- A physical and neurological exam
- Computer Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Blood Test
- Urine Test
- Wood Lamp (for the purpose determining if tuberous sclerosis is a possible diagnosis)
Treatment
- Steroid therapy by injection into a muscle or prednisone by mouth
- A seizure medication called Sabril
- Ketogenic diet
How to reach the Parent Mentor
Feel free to reach out to me;
Email: rangle@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Phone: 423-326-7569
Website: https://www.catoosa.k12.ga.us/departments/special_education/parent_mentor