The Journal of Korean Medicine (대한한의학회지)

The Society of Korean Medicine (대한한의학회)
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Herbal Medicine Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex : A Case Report

  • Son, Kwanghyun (Department of Pediatric Neurology of Korean Medicine, Dong Seo Yung Hap (DSYH) Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Jinsoo (Department of Pediatric Neurology of Korean Medicine, Dong Seo Yung Hap (DSYH) Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Moonju (Department of Pediatric Neurology of Korean Medicine, Dong Seo Yung Hap (DSYH) Hospital)
  • Received : 2015.05.29
  • Accepted : 2015.06.24
  • Published : 2015.06.30
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Abstract

Infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have a higher chance of experiencing seizures before the age of 1 year; in particular, they commonly accompany infantile spasms. In cases where infantile spasms resulting from TSC are drug-resistant, more severe neuro-developmental and cognitive impairments occur. This particular case dealt with an infant with TSC who continued to experience partial seizures and infantile spasms despite using two different kinds of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). His spasms ceased on the seventh day of taking modified Yukmijihwang-tang (YMJ), at which point he stopped the use of all AEDs. He became seizure-free after a month of the treatment and modified hypsarrythmia was found to have been resolved in the electroencephalogram test. Until now, the infant has been taking YMJ for 16 months and is maintaining the seizure-free state without side effects. Moreover, his developmental status is continually improving, with a significant progress in language and cognitive-adaptive abilities. Such results suggest that YMJ can serve as an alternative treatment option for refractory epilepsy.

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References

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