BROMIDES were the first effective treatment for epilepsy. Sir Charles Locock1 reported on their use in epilepsy in 1853, and for many years they were widely used. Today, however, because of the enthusiasm for the newer anticonvulsant drugs, bromides are not used very extensively. Some physicians even consider bromides to be of historical interest only. Several recent reviews on the treatment of epilepsy mentioned the past importance of bromides and then dismissed the drugs as "ineffective" and "possessing many undesirable side reactions."2 In this clinic bromides are still considered to be a valuable anticonvulsant. Since this appears to be contrary to the prevailing opinion, it seems worth while to report our experience with the use of bromides in the treatment of epilepsy in children.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Selection of Patients.—A total of 196 epileptic children with severe organic brain lesions evidenced by mental retardation, hemiplegia, or other