Question
How to Treat a 2-Year-Old Child with Refractory Epilepsy
Answer
Medically, antiepileptic drugs can be selected based on the type of epilepsy seizure. Once a medication and dosage that can completely control the seizures is found, it should be administered continuously. Generally, after the seizures are fully controlled and there are no adverse reactions, medication should be continued for 3 to 5 years before considering discontinuation. Currently, it is widely recommended to use a single drug, and only after confirming the failure of monotherapy should a second drug be added. For patients with absence seizures or myoclonic seizures that cannot be controlled with a single drug, a combination of ethosuximide and sodium valproate, or one of them in combination with benzodiazepines, can be effective. For mixed-type epilepsy, medication can be combined based on the type of seizure, but it is advisable not to exceed three drugs.