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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Valproate
Question: sir,
I had three seizure in a day when I was 3 years old. Now my son who is 2.5 yrs old had suffered 3 seizures with gap of 6 month and 1 month in between. my problem was resolved by taking out some fluid from my spinal cord. after that I didn't had any seizure. Now my child is suffering the same. Doctor did all tests and started vaporine for next two years. I heard about its side effects. and do not wish him to suffer side effects.. I would prefer give the same treatment to my child, which was done to me when I was child I.e. taking out fluid from spinal cord. my parent do not remember which fluid. please let me know your advise about fluid removal method and valporine method .
I had three seizure in a day when I was 3 years old. Now my son who is 2.5 yrs old had suffered 3 seizures with gap of 6 month and 1 month in between. my problem was resolved by taking out some fluid from my spinal cord. after that I didn't had any seizure. Now my child is suffering the same. Doctor did all tests and started vaporine for next two years. I heard about its side effects. and do not wish him to suffer side effects.. I would prefer give the same treatment to my child, which was done to me when I was child I.e. taking out fluid from spinal cord. my parent do not remember which fluid. please let me know your advise about fluid removal method and valporine method .
Brief Answer:
Do not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concerns but don't worry. The most likely reason for starting valproate in childhood seizures is generalised epilepsy disorder. An EEG ( electroencephalography) is useful investigation to reach the diagnosis. MRI is useful if the convulsions were one sided and not generalised to look for any focus of abnormal discharge in brain such as cyst or abscess.
The fluid from spinal cord which you mentioned is known as CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid). It's examination is an investigation modality and not treatment of seizures. So it won't help your child if no infection or inflammation is suspected.
Valproate is the first line drug for seizure treatment and regular follow ups will ensure the safety and good health for your son.
If the seizures were always associated with fever, lasted less than 15 minutes, generalised and associated with complete regain of consciousness after episodes, then the possible reason may be febrile seizures which do not require any long term treatment.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Do not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concerns but don't worry. The most likely reason for starting valproate in childhood seizures is generalised epilepsy disorder. An EEG ( electroencephalography) is useful investigation to reach the diagnosis. MRI is useful if the convulsions were one sided and not generalised to look for any focus of abnormal discharge in brain such as cyst or abscess.
The fluid from spinal cord which you mentioned is known as CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid). It's examination is an investigation modality and not treatment of seizures. So it won't help your child if no infection or inflammation is suspected.
Valproate is the first line drug for seizure treatment and regular follow ups will ensure the safety and good health for your son.
If the seizures were always associated with fever, lasted less than 15 minutes, generalised and associated with complete regain of consciousness after episodes, then the possible reason may be febrile seizures which do not require any long term treatment.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doctor. my child had seizures around one minute . He lost consciousness for 5 to 10 seconds and regains consciousness completely. Doctor did all tests and prescribed valporine syrup for two years. I do not understand why so long. this may affect his health and school ing. Can I use ibuprofen suppository for high fever and paracetamol suppository for normal fever, instead of valporine for so long. please advise .
Brief Answer:
No need for long therapy if the seizures were typical febrile seizures
Detailed Answer:
Hi
If the seizures were typical febrile seizures then there is no need for valproate treatment. Typical febrile seizures should have following characteristics:
- associated with fever
- lasts less than 15 minutes (as in your son)
- involve tonic clonic movement of all limbs
- regain of consciousness with no neurological deficits (as in your son)
- no more than one episode in 24 hours
If your child fulfills all the above, then you may use just paracetamol or Ibuprofen for fever spikes along with clobazam (antiepileptic) for 2 days at start of fever illness. No need for other treatment. This will help in prevention of seizures. You may consult your pediatrician or pediatric neurologist regarding this.
In case the child had generalised afebrile seizures than I would advise to continue with valproate for 2 years as per your pediatrician. Do not worry as its in the best interest of child. Most kids do not show any side effects and the prognosis is good.
Take care
No need for long therapy if the seizures were typical febrile seizures
Detailed Answer:
Hi
If the seizures were typical febrile seizures then there is no need for valproate treatment. Typical febrile seizures should have following characteristics:
- associated with fever
- lasts less than 15 minutes (as in your son)
- involve tonic clonic movement of all limbs
- regain of consciousness with no neurological deficits (as in your son)
- no more than one episode in 24 hours
If your child fulfills all the above, then you may use just paracetamol or Ibuprofen for fever spikes along with clobazam (antiepileptic) for 2 days at start of fever illness. No need for other treatment. This will help in prevention of seizures. You may consult your pediatrician or pediatric neurologist regarding this.
In case the child had generalised afebrile seizures than I would advise to continue with valproate for 2 years as per your pediatrician. Do not worry as its in the best interest of child. Most kids do not show any side effects and the prognosis is good.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doctor. I will be sharing my son's reports in a day or two.
Regards XXXXXXX
Regards XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Glad to help you out
Detailed Answer:
I will be glad to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Glad to help you out
Detailed Answer:
I will be glad to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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