Síndrome de West

Abstract

West syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy, its caused is unknown, and it begins in the 2 first years of development. Some hypotheses about the cause have been described as: "the reaction of an immature brain to damage" or "the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain stem ". West syndrome is characterized by the presence of the classic triad: muscle spasms, hypsarrhythmia and neurological impairment. The treatment consists mainly in the administration of anticonvulsants (Valproic acid, Vigabatrin, Benzodiazepines) to prevent further brain damage. The objective of this review is to describe the West syndrome widely. According to several authors such as Ruggieri, Dehli, Pozo, among others, they state that children with West syndrome have some type of neurological impairment either cognitive or motor. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and early stimulation help to overcome motor or cognitive delay and improve the quality of children life. The review concludes that West syndrome is not a very common syndrome since it affects 1 in 2,000 or 4000 children, predominantly in males and represents 47% of the epilepsies of the first year of life.