Characterization by Automated System on Infantile Spasmes
This study is working on a new system using smartphone videos to help identify a type of seizure in babies called infantile spasms. These spasms can be tricky to notice and tell apart from normal baby movements, often leading to delays in diagnosis. Early diagnosis is very important because these spasms can affect a child's development if not treated quickly. The researchers are using existing videos from hospitals to teach computer software to recognise these spasms accurately. The goal is to create a reliable tool that parents and doctors can use, especially in places where specialist brain scans (video-EEG) are hard to access. This could help more children get the right treatment sooner, improving their long-term health and development.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on a serious type of seizure in babies and young children called infantile spasms. These spasms are sudden, quick movements where the baby might stiffen their body, neck, or legs, and their arms might move up or to the side. They usually last only a second or two, but can happen many times in a row, sometimes for several minutes.
It's often hard for parents and even some doctors to recognise infantile spasms. They can look like normal baby hiccups or sudden jerks, which means there's often a delay in getting a diagnosis. Unfortunately, this delay can be a problem because if infantile spasms aren't identified and treated quickly, they can affect a child's learning and development.
Currently, the best way to diagnose these spasms is with a special brain scan called a video-EEG, where doctors watch the child on video while recording their brain activity. However, these scans are expensive and not always available everywhere. So, this research aims to create a simpler, more accessible tool: a smartphone or webcam app. The idea is to use computer technology to analyse videos taken by parents or caregivers and highlight when a child might be having these spasms. The goal is for this tool to be very accurate, helping doctors and parents identify spasms earlier so children can get the treatment they need more quickly, leading to better chances for healthy development.
Key takeaways
- Infantile spasms are serious seizures in babies that are hard to spot early.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for a child's development.
- This study is developing a smartphone/webcam app to help identify spasms from videos.
- The goal is an accurate tool to help doctors and parents get faster diagnoses.
- It uses existing hospital video data to train the software, so no new tests for children.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for information from children who have had infantile spasms in the past. To be included, the children must have had a video-EEG scan (a brainwave recording with video) at one of the hospitals involved in the study when they had their spasms.
All children up to 3 years of age who meet these criteria can be included. Their parents or legal guardians must agree for their child's anonymised information (like their old videos) to be used for this research.
There are no specific reasons that would prevent a child from being included, as long as they fit the description above and their legal guardian provides permission.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Was your child under 3 years old when they had spasms?
- Did your child have an official video-EEG (brain scan with video) when they experienced spasms?
- Was this video-EEG done at one of the participating hospitals (e.g., Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris or Île-de-France region)?
- Are you a legal guardian able to give permission for the use of your child's anonymised past data?
What does participation involve?
This study does not involve new tests or procedures for children. Instead, researchers will be looking at existing videos of children who have previously been diagnosed with infantile spasms. These videos come from hospital records where a special brain scan called a video-EEG was carried out. The study team, led by Mr. Diop, will use these videos to teach and improve their computer software, helping it to accurately identify infantile spasms. Your child will not need to attend any appointments, take any medication, or have any follow-up visits as part of this research. Their personal identifying details will be removed from the videos to protect their privacy.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of paediatric neurological care and intensive care unity (PICU), Raymond Poincaré hospital - APHPVerified postcodeGarches, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What are infantile spasms?
Infantile spasms are a serious type of seizure in babies and young children, where they have sudden, brief contractions or stiffening movements, often in a series.
Why is early diagnosis important for infantile spasms?
Diagnosing infantile spasms quickly is crucial because if they are not treated early, they can potentially affect a child's learning and development.
What is the new app trying to achieve?
The app aims to use smartphone or webcam videos to help easily and accurately identify infantile spasms, making diagnosis quicker and more accessible for families and doctors.
How will my child's information be used?
Researchers will use existing, anonymised videos of children who previously had infantile spasms to 'teach' the computer software to recognise the spasms. No new information will be collected from your child.
Will my child need to do anything for this study?
No, your child will not need to attend any appointments or undergo any tests. This study uses existing medical records and anonymised videos only.
How to find out more
Samuel Diop, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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