Patient's question:
The baby is over a year old and has had epilepsy for about a month. The doctor prescribed Western medicine, and the child's condition has improved after taking these medications. However, sometimes the child vomits milk frequently. Can the child still take Western medicine for long-term treatment?Doctor's answer:
Epilepsy has over 30 types, and the treatment and prognosis vary depending on the type. No single medication can treat all types of epilepsy. After being diagnosed with epilepsy, the first step is to visit a regular hospital and consult a specialist in epilepsy. The doctor needs to ask for a detailed medical history and perform necessary tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG), cranial CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Only after a confirmed diagnosis can effective treatment be provided. Currently, the most commonly used medications include traditional antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and sodium valproate, as well as newer antiepileptic drugs like lamotrigine, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine. These antiepileptic drugs are safer and have fewer side effects compared to older drugs like phenytoin and phenobarbital, making them a more ideal choice for epilepsy patients.