Question

My baby had a grand mal seizure on January 2nd of this year, a spasmodic stiffness seizure that lasted about 4 minutes. Since then, seizures have occurred frequently, about once every half hour. After receiving an injection of phenobarbital, the seizures were controlled. However, after taking the levetiracetam prescribed by the hospital for 14 days, the seizures recurred and were more frequent, occurring once every half hour. After receiving another injection of phenobarbital to control the seizures and adding the medication (levetiracetam), the seizures recurred after 16 days and were more severe than before. Both times, vomiting occurred within half an hour after taking the medication, and that night there was occasional staring spells. The seizures started the next day and gradually became more frequent! I would like to ask the doctor why my baby has such frequent seizures and why each time the symptoms seem like a grand mal seizure. Does vomiting affect the effectiveness of the medication? My baby has undergone CT and MRI scans, which are normal. Levetiracetam is effective for infantile myoclonic seizures. The frequent seizures may be due to insufficient medication dosage. It is recommended that you consult a pediatric neurology department in a regular hospital for a professional doctor to adjust the dosage. Also, your child’s frequent seizures described sometimes indicate a persistent epilepsy state, which is very bad and can severely affect your child’s intelligence. Immediate treatment is necessary.

Answer

Levetiracetam tablets are effective for pediatric spasmodic stiffness seizures, but frequent attacks may require adjusting the medication dosage. It is recommended to seek professional medical assistance.