Patient's question:
The child is still young and it's inevitable for them to catch colds and fever. Usually, they need to be given intravenous fluids. Can intravenous fluids cause epilepsy in infants?Doctor's answer:
It is recommended to visit the neurology department of a hospital for an electroencephalogram (EEG) and CT scan. This will help determine the underlying issue, whether it is primary or secondary epilepsy, and the specific type of epilepsy for targeted treatment.The treatment of epilepsy involves both etiological treatment and medication. If a clear cause is identified and can be resolved, targeted etiological treatment should be chosen. If no clear cause is found or the cause cannot be resolved, medication is the only option.
Based on your frequency of epilepsy seizures, you will likely need long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Antiepileptic drugs are categorized into traditional (e.g., carbamazepine, valproic acid) and new-generation (e.g., levetiracetam, topiramate) medications. There is no significant difference in efficacy between them, but new-generation drugs generally have fewer side effects and higher safety profiles, though they are more expensive.
It is crucial not to abruptly stop taking antiepileptic drugs, and switching between different medications should also be done by gradually reducing the dosage. It is advisable to stick to a single medication and avoid frequent changes, as this may lead to an increase in the frequency of seizures.