Final answer:
Treatment for infantile spasm is critical because it can have severe developmental impacts without intervention. Hormonal therapy or antiepileptic drugs are key treatments that can improve health and developmental outcomes in affected children.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of treatment in infantile spasm is paramount as it is a severe neurological disorder occurring in young children that can have significant developmental and neurological consequences if not treated promptly. Although not the same as neonatal tetanus or polio, similar to these conditions, early intervention can greatly impact the health outcomes. Infantile spasms (IS) are characterized by brief, but potent, muscle contractions; and efficient treatment can prevent potential developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. The frontline treatments for IS typically include hormonal therapy (like adrenocorticotropic hormone) or antiepileptic drugs, which can control the spasms and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.