Question
How can one determine if it’s epilepsy?
Answer
An 8-month-old baby’s incomplete development of the cerebral cortex makes them prone to seizures and similar symptoms that may resemble epilepsy, but it is not necessarily epilepsy. For infants, common triggers include colds, fevers, hunger, environments causing lack of oxygen due to suffocation, overeating, fright, emotional excitement, and exposure to flashing or spinning objects. As they grow older and the cerebral cortex develops fully, many people experience a reduction in the frequency and severity of their seizures. If EEG and CT scans of the head are normal, it is recommended: 1. No special treatment is needed; pay attention to avoiding situations that may trigger seizures in daily life; 2. The diagnosis of epilepsy is primarily based on clinical symptoms, combined with EEG results, though EEG results are not mandatory. This is because a significant portion of people have EEGs done without any seizures, and in such cases, many EEGs may not show any abnormalities. It is suggested to perform a 24-hour video EEG monitoring to increase the likelihood of detecting abnormal brain waves (though it is not guaranteed). Sometimes, an MRI of the head can also be done (it may not be necessary at this stage). If confirmed to be epilepsy, most medications are highly effective, and given the large number of people with epilepsy today, there is no need to be overly anxious. In daily life, avoiding triggers and paying close attention to the child’s care are essential preventive measures against these seizures.