RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Infantile spasms JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 273 OP 278 VO 51 IS 2 A1 Cruse, Robert P. YR 1984 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/51/2/273.abstract AB West's syndrome is an age-specific set of symptoms consisting of myoclonic epilepsy (infantile spasms), an interictal electroencephalographic pattern (hypsarrhythmia), and moderate-to-severe mental retardation. Infantile spasms were first reported in 1841, but all three characteristics were not described until 1951. The basic pathophysiology of and ideal therapy for the seizures remain undefined. The author reviews the historical aspects, clinical manifestations, etiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of West's syndrome.