How I (a #neurologist) helped a student pass in #Mathematics, which his Mathematics teacher couldn't manage 1. A 15-year old boy was brought to my clinic by his parents asking for some "pill" that would improve his interest and skill in mathematics, enabling him to pass exams
2. He was a bright class 10th kid doing well in all the subjects except in mathematics. His scores were 85-90% in other subjects, with <30% in mathematics. This appeared odd to me. On enquiry, the boy told "my mind switches off when solving complex mathematical problems".
3. The boy continued "my mind keeps on lapsing into absent-mindedness several times during exams" and "before I realize- the time is up". As per his teachers & parents, his answer sheet had many areas of ineligible scribbling. The initial part of answer would be correct though.
4. Neurological examination including higher cognitive functions was normal. Brain scan and routine EEG done elsewhere were normal. I asked for EEG while him solving mathematical problems. This solved the mystery- he had epileptiform discharges arising from brain while doing that
5. I made a diagnosis of calculation-induced seizures and started him on oxcarbazepine. After one month follow up, he had shown good improvement in solving mathematical sums. He cleared his mathematics exam 6 months later, scoring 98% marks.
Take home message: Calculation-induced seizures should be suspected in cases presenting with altered consciousness, jerks or frank seizures, while doing mental arithmetic. Anti-seizure medications results in excellent outcome in most. #MedTwitter #neurotwitter #Epilepsy
A word of caution to all the parents and non-medicos: The medicine mentioned in this case is NOT a pill to improve mathematical skills of a child/person. It was given for a specific neurological disease, and the medicine should be taken on advice of a registered medical doctor.
Don't let this thread be seen by Desi parents else everyone will want their kid to score 98.