Patient's question:
A 6-month-old baby cannot lift their head, can roll over, has a normal appetite, and shows no significant abnormalities, but sometimes they experience tremors. Can pediatric epilepsy be surgically treated?Doctor's answer:
Surgical treatment carries significant risks, and drug therapy is the preferred option. The earlier the medication is started, the better the outcome. 75% of patients can control epilepsy seizures through drug therapy, especially in benign pediatric epilepsy. If medication is consistently used to control epilepsy for 2 years without any seizures, the dosage can be gradually reduced until the medication is stopped. If epilepsy does not recur after stopping the medication, it can be considered cured.Surgery is the final option for refractory epilepsy. It is advisable not to consider surgery lightly. Regular check-ups and attention to lifestyle management are recommended. If surgery is indeed necessary, note that before the procedure, patients should inform the specialist doctor about the history of seizures, triggers, duration of attacks, and frequency of attacks.
After surgery, it is crucial not to stop medication immediately. Even if the epileptic focus is removed, the surrounding brain tissue, which has been affected for a long time, may still generate abnormal discharges, potentially leading to epilepsy seizures. Continuing to take antiepileptic drugs can suppress these abnormal discharges, allowing brain function to gradually return to normal. Additionally, the trauma caused by the surgery itself can also lead to recurrent epilepsy. Therefore, within the first week after surgery, the types and dosage of antiepileptic drugs should be appropriately increased.