Evita reponer energía si tienes un resfriado para prevenir epilepsy

Title: Avoid replenishing energy if you have a cold to prevent epilepsy. Profile: Patients with epilepsy should avoid colds and inadequate diets; following medical recommendations is key for their health. Keywords: ['Disease Management', 'Health Warning'] Author: Wang Qianxi, Li Zhengguang, Hunan Province Second People's Hospital (Provincial Neurology Hospital)

At 24 years old, Xiao Liu from Loudi experienced a mental confusion episode, foaming at the mouth, and convulsions in his limbs after a night of sleeplessness three years ago. After being examined in the hospital, a video electroencephalogram indicated the presence of epileptic waves, leading to a diagnosis of "epilepsy" and the start of treatment with valproic acid and other medications. Following the doctor's instructions, he had not experienced any more episodes for over two years. However, thinking that the epilepsy was well controlled, he began to relax his mental vigilance and did not adhere strictly to his medication.

In recent days, however, the temperature dropped sharply, and Xiao Liu caught a severe cold, presenting fever, headache, and nasal congestion. Family members, believing that Xiao Liu had a weak body, decided to give him "pigeon soup with ginseng" to strengthen his health. They did not expect that their "good intention would cause a problem", as this led to the onset of "epilepsy", with three severe attacks in one night, resulting in loss of consciousness, convulsions, and foaming at the mouth. He was urgently transferred to the Epilepsy Center of Hunan Province Second People's Hospital (Provincial Neurology Hospital) for medical attention.

Dr. Li Zhenguang, the attending physician, analyzes and considers that Xiao Liu's frequent recurrence of epileptic seizures is not a coincidence, but the result of irregularity in taking medications and the interaction of multiple triggering factors. After feeling "well-controlled", Xiao Liu stopped taking his medication on time and at the correct doses, leading to fluctuations in the concentration of the drug in his blood, even dropping below effective levels. This caused the brain to lose its protective "shield", making it difficult to continuously suppress abnormal discharges in the brain and allowing a return to a seizure-prone state.

Furthermore, a severe cold and fever are one of the direct triggering factors. The increase in body temperature can alter the excitability of neurons and lower the seizure threshold. A severe viral infection (such as a cold) can cause a stress response in the body and trigger the immune system, physiological changes that can interfere with the stability of brain electrical activity.

The discomfort caused by the cold (headaches, nasal congestion) can severely affect sleep quality and rest, and "staying up late and fatigue" was precisely the trigger for Xiao Liu's first illness three years ago. This is a cycle that requires great attention.

The second direct factor: the inadequate "supplementation" with pigeon soup and ginseng. This is a very crucial and easily overlooked factor in this case.

Ginseng, in traditional Chinese medicine, is considered a product that "tonifies Qi and supports Yang", and has stimulating effects on the central nervous system, as well as the ability to increase the body's reactivity. For patients with epilepsy, this may mean that neurons in the brain are more prone to being "activated", which can induce abnormal discharges. Many traditional supplements or products called "that strengthen the immune system" have a complex pharmacological effect and may interact with antiepileptic drugs or directly stimulate the nervous system, so patients with epilepsy should be extremely cautious.

Li Zhengguang also reminds that the recommendations for patients with epilepsy regarding medication and daily care are as follows:

First, strictly follow the doctor's instructions and take medication regularly: it is essential to take medication at the prescribed time and amount every day, even if no episodes have occurred for a long time. It is strictly prohibited to reduce the dose, stop medication, or change the frequency without the doctor's supervision. In addition, periodic checks (such as every six months to a year) should be conducted to verify the drug concentration in the blood, as well as liver and kidney function, as indicated by the physician.

Whether to adjust the treatment plan must be decided by an epilepsy specialist after evaluation. Do not add other drugs on your own: if you need to take medication for a cold, fever, or other illnesses, be sure to inform your doctor of your epilepsy history to avoid using drugs that may induce seizures or interact with antiepileptic drugs (such as certain cold medicines with stimulant components).

Secondly, daily life should be managed strictly and triggering factors should be avoided: ensure adequate and regular sleep, avoiding staying up late and excessive fatigue. It is also important to actively prevent colds, paying attention to keeping warm in case of climatic changes. If fever occurs, measures should be taken to reduce it (through physical methods or the use of antipyretic medications) and seek medical attention immediately.

Prohibit the consumption of alcohol and stimulating beverages, as alcohol can induce seizures and affect the effectiveness of medications. Avoid intense sound and light stimuli (such as flashing lights and intense video games).

Maintain emotional calm, avoid prolonged mental stress, excessive excitement, or anxiety.

It is important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, and be cautious with supplements. Unless evaluated together by a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and a neurologist, avoid supplements that may have stimulating effects, such as ginseng, deer horn, and royal jelly.

Maintain a regular diet, avoiding excessive hunger and fullness, as well as excessive water consumption at once.

Third, preparation for safety and first aid: during a seizure, family members should learn first aid knowledge for seizures (such as positioning the patient on their side, loosening the collar, protecting the head, not forcing limbs, and not placing anything in the mouth), as well as recording the form and duration of the seizure. In daily life, avoid engaging in high-risk activities, such as working at heights, in water, or driving.

Fourth, regular follow-up: visit the specialized epilepsy clinic every 3-6 months or as directed by the doctor to review the status, communicate the disease progression, medication response, and living conditions.

Epilepsy is a chronic disease that can be prevented and controlled. The core of successful management lies in "regular medication intake" and leading a "healthy lifestyle". Xiao Liu's case warns us that any relaxation can undermine previous efforts. It is essential to establish an adequate understanding of the disease and build a long-term trust and collaborative relationship with the doctor; this is the true way to ensure long-term good health.

Hunan Medical Talk Exclusive Author: Epilepsy Center of Hunan Province Second People's Hospital Wang Qianxi Li Zhengguang.

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(edit YT)