Question
My baby is over half a year old and has had epilepsy for about a month. Now, the child is over a year old. The doctor has prescribed Western medicine, and after taking it, the condition has improved, but the child often vomits milk. Can these Western medicines be taken long-term?
Answer
Epilepsy has various types, and the treatment and prognosis for each type differ. No single medication can treat all types of epilepsy. After diagnosis, it is important to consult a specialized epilepsy doctor at a regular hospital for detailed medical history inquiries and necessary examinations, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), cranial CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to provide accurate and effective treatment. Commonly used medications include traditional antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and sodium valproate, as well as newer antiepileptic drugs like lamotrigine, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine. These medications have good safety profiles with minimal side effects and are considered ideal choices for epilepsy patients. However, medication treatment should be determined based on individual circumstances by a doctor to decide if long-term use is appropriate.