Question

The patient is a one-year-old with the main symptom of epilepsy, diagnosed on September 4th. Laboratory test results indicate epilepsy.

Answer

Infantile epilepsy is a refractory epilepsy syndrome, often caused by cerebral organic changes or genetic metabolic diseases, and common antiepileptic drugs may not be effective. Treatment methods commonly used include:

  1. Hormone Therapy: Adrenal cortical hormone (ACTH) is considered the most effective and commonly used medication, with a dosage of 25 to 40 units per day, administered by intramuscular injection for 2 to 6 weeks. It is particularly effective for primary cases but the long-term effects are difficult to evaluate, and it may cause hypertension and decreased blood potassium levels. If treatment is ineffective, dexamethasone or prednisone can be used instead.
  2. Sodium Valproate: The initial dosage is 15 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, gradually increased to 60 to 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, with a maximum of up to 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Higher doses are more effective, but attention must be paid to the risk of liver toxicity.
  3. Non-amide, vigabatrin: The initial dosage is a low dose, increased weekly until effective