The specific cause of Aicardi syndrome is unknown at this time. Suspected causes include a genetic defect of the X-chromosome, an infection that the fetus develops before birth, or an environmental agent encountered in the womb. This syndrome appears only in females, because affected males die before birth. A CT scan of the head and an EEG may be performed to determine abnormalities of the brain. Treatment Infantile spasms and epileptic seizures may be treated with hydrocortisone, ACTH , or anticonvulsants such as Dilantin.
Symptoms tend to become worse with age and there is a high death rate.
There is a better outlook if symptoms are mild and do not appear until adolescence . Complications Complications vary according to the degree and severity of symptoms. Calling Your Health Care Provider Many of the symptoms are apparent at birth. Call your health care provider or seek emergency care for spasms in an infant or epileptic seizures . The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.