The Necessity of Speech-Language Intervention in West Syndrome Case: A Case Report

Introduction: The West syndrome (WS) is a severe form of epilepsy manifested in the 5th month of life. It has many causes, among them organic brain dysfunction whose origins may be prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal. Accompanied by spasms, in most cases, exist change in neurological examination, often for hypotonia. The accumulation of bronchial secretions is also mentioned. It is known that respiratory capacity depends on lungs and thoracic mobility, as muscle strength and coordination of expiratory and inspiratory muscles. In syndrome, respiratory problems can be related with the restriction of exercise that may lead to respiratory movements with suction effect on the walls of the thorax, reducing the amount of air stored. Swallowing problems may exist with aspiration of food.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the aspects of responsiveness swallowing of a child with WS.

Resumed Report: Monitoring of a 1 year and 6 months old child with WS was done, who was admitted to a hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. In observation of the supply, there was difficulty in maintaining body position, standard head extension, weak uptake from food, adequate propulsion, and two episodes of weak cough (not protective) during swallowing . There was no change in the pattern of cervical auscultation pre and post feed.

Conclusion: Few studies have addressed the relationship of dysphagia with syndrome, creating the need for deepening of related studies in order to reduce aggravated risks to the child before this dysfunction.

Keywords: West syndrome, deglutition disorders, feed.