Question
The 7-month-old baby was diagnosed with epilepsy and experienced symptoms such as whole-body convulsions, eyes rolling up, and lips turning purple after taking medication. The Brain Electroencephalogram (EEG) examination results were normal, but abnormal findings were detected in the second examination. I hope to understand what type of epilepsy it is and how effective the treatment is. Can various fish, bananas, and goat’s milk be consumed in the diet? Why do seizures often occur during sleep or upon waking up?
Answer
Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent attack of brain dysfunction, usually caused by abnormal discharge of brain neurons. The disease is more common in children under 1 year of age, and treatment methods include using medications such as phenobarbital, sodium valproate, and carbamazepine. Treatment should start with a low dose and gradually increase to achieve the minimum effective dose that can control seizures without causing toxic side effects. When changing medications, a strategy of gradually increasing the new drug and decreasing the old drug should be adopted, and sudden discontinuation of medication should be avoided. In terms of diet, spicy, fried, and alkaline foods should be avoided.