Patient's question:
Patient Gender: Mao Mao yearsMain Symptoms: Nodding
Onset Time: April 2009
Laboratory Test Results: Infantile Spasms
Doctor's answer:
The etiology may be related to birth injuries, neonatal asphyxia, viral encephalitis, intrauterine infections, congenital toxoplasmosis, congenital brain developmental malformations, and certain metabolic diseases. Infantile spasms, in addition to generalized convulsions, are more serious as they can also cause intellectual disabilities in children. Once diagnosed, treatment should be initiated immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the less severe the brain damage in the child may be. Currently, the main drugs used to treat infantile spasms are nitrazepam and hormones. If both are used in combination, the therapeutic effect is better. During the medication process, it is essential to administer the medication to the child regularly to maintain the necessary effective blood concentration. To prevent the recurrence of infantile spasms and their transformation into grand mal seizures or psychomotor seizures, the drug dosage should not be reduced even after the recurrence has completely stopped. Instead, the child should continue taking medication for 2–4 years, and then gradually and cautiously taper off under the guidance of a doctor until the medication is completely stopped. Additionally, parents should pay special attention to the fact that when the child starts taking medication, follow-up visits to the hospital should be scheduled every 2–3 weeks, and later every 3–6 months for check-ups. At the same time, it is crucial to closely monitor for any toxic effects of the medication, have the child undergo regular hospital examinations for liver and kidney function and blood tests, and take further measures promptly if any abnormalities are detected.