When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy, it can be frightening and confusing. This condition occurs when the brain's electrical signals misfire and cause a breakdown in communication between nerve cells, Kids Health reports. About two-thirds of children with epilepsy cease having seizures by the time they reach puberty. Nevertheless, as a parent, you may be concerned about your ability to monitor your child's symptoms and respond quickly and appropriately. When in doubt as to whether your child is exhibiting signs of a seizure or not, always contact your child's doctor or hospital.
Step 1
Inform any babysitters or caregivers of your child's epilepsy. Kids Health reports that it is crucial to notify all adults in the position of caring for your child that she has epilepsy. Such caregivers, which include coaches, teachers and parents of playmates, should understand the condition and know what to do in the event of a seizure. This will ensure that your child will be safe when you aren't there.
Step 2
Monitor your child in the bathtub. This applies to younger children in particular. While older children don't need to be monitored as strictly, they should still avoid taking a bath or shower unless there's an adult in the house. Older kids should also leave the bathroom door unlocked while bathing, in case an adult needs to intervene.
Step 3
Recognize the early signs of seizures. Prior to a seizure, your child might stare fixedly or seem unresponsive, reports AboutKidsHealth. With some types of seizures, your child may cry or moan at the onset of the seizure. In addition, some epileptics have "auras" prior to seizures. An aura is an unusual physical sensation, such as a smell, a feeling of fear, or nausea, that occurs seconds or minutes before a seizure. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, an aura is actually a simple partial seizure that can serve as a warning that a seizure is imminent. You can teach your child to recognize what an aura feels like, and to communicate it to you.
Step 4
Avoid letting your epileptic child partake in certain activities, such as gymnastics or team sports, and restrict your child from performing strenuous activities alone, such as swimming or bicycling. While these activities are fine for epileptic children to enjoy, they should have an adult nearby. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, seizures can affect motor skills or consciousness, which can heighten the risk of accidents during the performance of an activity. Kids Health recommends that an adult be arm's length from your child while he swims or rides his bike. Like all children, your epileptic child should wear a helmet when riding his bicycle.
Tips and Warnings
- Know what to do if your child misses a dose of medication. Although it's important to ensure that your child continues to take her medication, children may sometimes forget. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the need to talk to your child's doctor and understand the protocol regarding missed medication.
