Question

A 5-year-old girl was hospitalized for two months at a children’s hospital after being diagnosed with encephalitis shortly after birth. At three months old, she was found to have hydrocephalus. She underwent a second ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery at over one year old and experienced epilepsy symptoms post-surgery. The doctor prescribed medication, and she took levetiracetam tablets for two years. After stopping the medication for a year, her symptoms recurred and she began having seizures every few months, prompting her to resume medication, taking half a tablet every other day. Currently, she has small seizures every few days, but recently she suddenly shouted loudly, causing alarm. Doctor, what should we do in this situation? Should we consult the doctor who performed the previous surgery, but he also did not give clear instructions, only prescribing more levetiracetam tablets. We seek guidance on what to do next.

Answer

Based on the detailed description of the girl’s condition, her encephalitis led to hydrocephalus, which in turn triggered epilepsy attacks. She is currently taking antiepileptic medication and her symptoms are exacerbated by excessive fright. In this case, it may be considered to give the child a safe traditional Chinese medicine, such as Hu Po Long Wan, which is specifically used to treat children affected by excessive fright. Its effectiveness is significant, and it may be considered for the child’s use. Additionally, due to her history of brain disease and epilepsy, it is advisable to avoid exposing the child to