Hello doctor, My brother-in-law, aged 15 years was seen to be shaking the whole body during the night sleeps at times during the last six months. But during this problem, he remains unconscious. He does so only when he is in deep sleep. We consulted a doctor locally and he suggested MRI of the brain and EEG. He also prescribed some medicines and said that he will have to take the medicines for at least three years, and then only the problem can be cured and also suggested that he should not sleep for more than six hours at night. So I want to seek your opinion in this regard and what is the disease and could it be cured? Also advice on the medicines prescribed by our local doctor and any other precautions to be taken.
Hi. The diagnosis seems to be correct (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It indeed looks like epilepsy. Sometimes, the cause is unclear. Sometimes it is due to an underlying genetic problem. However, MRI being normal there is no need for any kind of surgical treatment for this problem. EEG is abnormal and he would definitely require antiepileptic treatment for 2 to 3 years at least. After that, repeat EEG and see for improvement. If no seizure recurrence during these three years, then antiepileptics can be tapered off.