Question
A four-and-a-half-year-old child, after undergoing a brainwave test, showed signs of possible sharp-slow complex waves, leading to disagreements on the diagnosis of the cramps. Diagnosed with epilepsy at a pediatric hospital, the child’s brainwave results were considered completely normal at a children’s hospital. Is the cramp caused by epilepsy or fever?
Answer
Cramps in preschool children (especially those aged 2-3) that occur after a fever are usually referred to as high fever seizures, which typically do not occur in school-aged children. Therefore, if a fever is detected, immediate cooling treatment should be administered and anticonvulsant medication should be provided. If seizures occur without a fever, it is highly suspected to be epilepsy. It is recommended to undergo standardized treatment in a neurology department and may require long-term oral antiepileptic medication.