West's syndrome.
West's syndrome (infantile spasms) can be considered the classic disorder of the catastrophic childhood epilepsies. Although West's syndrome was identified 160 years ago, it is still not fully understood today. Because of the multiple etiologies associated with West's syndrome, the evaluation and treatment of the disease are complex, and, to date, there are no drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of infantile spasms. The multiple etiologies associated with infantile spasms require that physicians take a broad look at all therapeutic options. There are, however, logical sequences that physicians should pursue when trying to treat this disorder. This article reviews the etiologies associated with West's syndrome, antiepilepsy drug therapies currently being used to treat the syndrome, and other treatment options available to clinicians.