Patient's question:
A child had severe abdominal pain one night in early October, accompanied by a headache. The condition was treated and resolved the next day. On October 18th, at noon after school, the child fainted while standing up after crouching to tie their shoelaces. They were conscious at the time, with no visible tremors, slightly pale complexion, and called 120 for emergency treatment. No abnormalities were found, and they were discharged. Two days later, without any apparent cause, the child developed a headache and dizziness, followed by a single seizure. During the seizure, they lost consciousness, frothed at the mouth, and the episode lasted several minutes before stopping on its own. They called 120 again and were admitted. Examination revealed Grade 2 tonsillar enlargement with no other abnormalities, and an EEG was normal. The discharge diagnosis was epilepsy under investigation and acute tonsillitis.In the following days, the child experienced rapid, brief limb convulsions without apparent cause during the night, accompanied by unconsciousness and incoherent speech, but without vomiting. Starting on October 25th, the left limb developed episodes of intermittent stiffness, lasting from 10 to 30 minutes each, occurring 7-8 times a day without significant loss of consciousness. No fever was present during the course of the illness, but dizziness and vomiting occurred. There was no limb paralysis. The condition worsened, and the child was transferred to a provincial hospital for treatment. During hospitalization, they received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), acyclovir, and neurotrophic medications, similar to those recommended online. After one week, the diagnosis was viral encephalitis. The condition gradually worsened, with multiple severe convulsions daily, for which diazepam was administered for sedation. However, high doses of diazepam were ineffective, and consciousness gradually faded. The child was transferred to the ICU, where severe pulmonary infection developed, making them almost dependent on a ventilator. They remain unconscious, occasionally experiencing minor convulsions, with moderate fever and low blood pressure.
Doctor's answer:
In your case, it may be caused by a viral infection. There is no specific treatment available, and the main approach is still systemic supportive therapy and symptomatic treatment. Antibiotics or sulfonamides are ineffective. Some antiviral drugs, such as idoxuridine, acyclovir, and ganciclovir, may have a certain effect on herpes virus infections. We know that cerebral palsy in children can cause significant harm, and if it is not treated promptly or if the treatment method is incorrect, it can progress rapidly, bringing great harm to young children. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional medical treatment at a qualified hospital in a timely manner, as this is the key.