07/31/2025
Hypsarrhythmia: What It Is? Why It Matters.
Let’s talk about hypsarrhythmia, what it means and why it’s something every parent of an infant should be aware of.
Hypsarrhythmia is a chaotic, disorganized brainwave pattern seen on an EEG.
It’s often associated with a rare and serious seizure disorder called infantile spasms (also known as West syndrome-when a triad of hypsarrhythmia, spasm seizures and developmental delay/regression occur). These are not your typical seizures, they’re subtle and often mistaken for things like reflux, startle reflexes, or even colic- we heard all of these before Owen was diagnosed.
When Owen was diagnosed, I remember asking the doctor, “So is this like atrial fibrillation of the brain?”
He looked at me and said, “No, Worse.” (Major confidence boost for a mom, right?) But seriously, that moment made it abundantly clear how critical early recognition and treatment are.
Hypsarrhythmia is more than just atypical brain activity, it’s a neurological emergency. If left untreated, it can lead to brain damage, other serious seizure types, developmental delays or regression. But with quick intervention, outcomes can improve.
If you ever feel something is “off” with your baby’s movements or behavior, even if it seems insignificant, push for an EEG. Trust your gut. You are your child’s best advocate.
Let’s keep raising awareness and pushing for faster diagnosis and better outcomes for our tykes!
