Occupational therapy intervention in West Syndrome: A case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Introduction / Rationale:West syndrome is an early childhood epileptic encephalopathy with spasms, psychomotor delay, and hypsarrhythmia.Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the effect of occupational therapy on sensory processing skills and occupational performance of a child diagnosed with West syndrome.Methods / Approach:In this study, a 30-month-old girl with West syndrome participated in occupational therapy sessions once a week for 45 minutes over a 24-week period. Before and after the intervention, the case was assessed for sensory processing skills using the Infant Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).Results / Practice Implications:In the ITSP quadrant scores, the sensation avoiding score increased from 2 to 8, and the low registration score increased from 4 to 10. In the sensory and behavioral section scores, the tactile score increased from 5 to 7, the oral sensory score from 5 to 9, and the behavioral score from 3 to 6. COPM performance score increased from 2 to 5 and satisfaction score from 2 to 5.6.Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession:This study demonstrates the positive impact of occupational therapy intervention on sensory processing skills and occupational performance in a case with West syndrome. These findings highlight the potential of sensory-enriched environments as an innovative approach in occupational therapy. Further research with larger sample groups is essential to advance evidence-based practices and drive transformative changes in intervention strategies.