Patient's question:
On October 18, 2012, at 5 a.m., the symptoms began, and at 11 a.m., another episode occurred. In the afternoon, during an EEG, one episode was recorded. During the episodes, there was a loss of consciousness, staring, followed by upward rolling of the eyes, bluish complexion, clenched fists, and trembling legs, lasting for over a minute. Afterward, the patient fell asleep and fully recovered upon waking. The EEG showed spikes, and the doctor confirmed it as pediatric epilepsy, recommending treatment with valproic acid (Depakine syrup). My family and I refused. Can you explain the treatment methods for pediatric epilepsy? Thank you!What kind of help are you looking for: Should the treatment of pediatric epilepsy focus on protecting brain function?
Doctor's answer:
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in pediatric clinical diagnosis. According to many large-scale surveys in China, the annual incidence rate of epilepsy in our country is approximately 35 per 100,000 population, with a total prevalence rate of about 3.5% to 4.80 per million. However, 60% of patients develop the condition during childhood. Long-term, frequent, or severe epileptic recurrences can lead to further brain damage and even persistent neurological and psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, under modern medical practices, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment have enabled the satisfactory control of seizures in over 80% of children with epilepsy.