Patient's question:
Doctor, I am Patient 61 in the Second Department of Pediatrics of this hospital. I have a rather stubborn epilepsy, and I hope you can come down to check on my daughter's condition. Thank you in advance.Doctor's answer:
Clinically, antiepileptic drugs can be selected based on the type of seizure. Once a drug and dose that can completely control the seizures are found, it should be used continuously without interruption. Generally, the drug should be continued for 3 to 5 years after the seizures are fully controlled, provided there are no adverse reactions, before considering discontinuation. Currently, it is often recommended to use a single drug, and a second drug should only be added after confirming that monotherapy has failed. If absence seizures or myoclonic seizures cannot be controlled with a single drug, combining ethosuximide and sodium valproate, or adding a benzodiazepine to one of these drugs, can be effective. For mixed-type epilepsy, drugs can be combined based on the type of seizure, but it is generally advisable not to exceed three drugs.