Question
What is pediatric epilepsy?
Answer
Epilepsy can be divided into two main categories: primary and secondary. The former refers to cases with unknown causes or those with genetic factors; the latter refers to seizures caused by organic changes in the brain due to various reasons, or due to metabolic disorders, poisoning, and other factors. The principle of epilepsy treatment is to start early, begin with a small dose, take medication regularly, and the course of treatment should be long-term. The adjustment of drug types or dosages should be gradual; otherwise, it may lead to drug overdose or increased seizures. Generally, antiepileptic drugs need to be taken for 2 to 4 years after the last seizure, including a gradual reduction process of 1 to 2 years. To achieve the optimal dosage and evaluate the efficacy of treatment, regular blood concentration monitoring of drugs can be conducted to guide medication. Antiepileptic drugs generally have side effects such as drowsiness or excitement, coordination disorders, and intellectual impairment. They may also cause abnormalities in blood, liver, and kidney functions. However, generally speaking, drug reactions are mild and reversible and not necessarily occur. As long as precautions are taken, long-term use of antiepileptic drugs is still safe and reliable. Currently, there is no effective traditional Chinese medicine for epilepsy, so it is recommended to adhere to regular antiepileptic treatment.