Question
Pediatric epilepsy is a common neurological disease. When a baby is 6 months old and has a seizure, parents often worry very much. The child has been treated with medication at Beijing Children’s Hospital and Beijing Epilepsy Hospital, including Keppra, Depakote, and Oxcarbazepine. The condition is currently unstable, with seizures occurring 1 to 3 times a day, lasting 2 to 5 minutes each. The doctor recommends reusing Keppra, and the parents are confused about this.
Answer
The treatment of epilepsy primarily relies on medication, and about 70% of patients can control their seizures through medication. After 2 to 5 years of treatment, 50% to 60% of patients have hope of recovery and can return to normal life and work. Therefore, the key is proper and regular medication treatment. The child has already been treated with multiple antiepileptic medications, including Keppra, Depakote, and Oxcarbazepine. Currently, the condition is unstable, and it may be necessary to adjust the medication treatment plan. It is recommended to consult a professional epilepsy specialist to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the child’s condition and medication response. In addition to medication treatment, epilepsy patients may also need other supportive treatments, such as dietary therapy, neurostimulation therapy, etc. For some refractory epilepsy cases, surgery treatment may also be considered. Therefore, it is recommended that parents work closely with doctors to choose the most suitable treatment method based on the child’s specific situation.