Seizures in measles patients could indicate encephalitis

treatments for measles.

When seizures occur in a child with measles but no fever, it can indicate a complication called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Children also may experience nausea and vomiting, and they usually have a headache. Confusion and sleepiness are other common symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by an evaluation of the fluid around the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid.

Confirmed encephalitis with measles is treated with steroids. This reduces the risk of permanent brain damage from the infection. Even so, 25 percent of children may be left with some impairment, including epilepsy.

Vaccination at 9 months is not adequate protection. Children’s immune systems may not be able to fully respond to the vaccine so early. Children are recommended to have the measles vaccine at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years in the United States. In countries where risk of measles mortality remains high, children are vaccinated at 9 months, then again at 15 to 18 months. During an outbreak, a dose may be given as early as 6 months old, in addition to the other two doses.

Dear Dr. Roach: I recently was diagnosed with kidney disease and was advised to drink eight glasses of water daily. I can only get down three glasses. Is it OK to drink tea instead? Would vitamins help?

A: From the standpoint of your kidneys, tea and coffee count as water. Having adequate fluid intake is important for your kidneys, but most people who aren’t exercising or living in hot or dry environments don’t need eight full glasses a day. Vitamins are not necessary for kidney health; however, people with very advanced kidney disease often need a special form of vitamin D called calcitriol.