According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 45,000 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. For most adults who are diagnosed, seizures can be frightening and embarrassing. For children, those feelings are only magnified as they are not able to understand what is happening and why. Although caring for your child when a seizure strikes entails knowing how to handle the seizure, it is just as important to educate your child about her condition and relieve some of her fears.
Step 1
Read your child a book about epilepsy. Many exist to help your child understand his condition and the myths surrounding it. Reading him these books can help him cope with his seizures and be not ashamed of a condition he cannot control. A good choice for younger children is "Lee, the Rabbit With Epilepsy," by Deborah M.Moss. For older children, "Becky the Brave: A Story About Epilepsy," by Laurie Lears helps explore the embarrassment children face concerning their condition.
Step 2
Monitor her medication. It is obvious that you will need to give your child her medication as prescribed, but it is just as important to monitor how she does on her medication, as not all medications work the same for every person. If you notice she is suffering from severe side effects, or her seizures are not improving, contact her doctor immediately. She may need her medication adjusted or changed multiple times before her seizures are controlled.
Step 3
Watch for triggers. A trigger is anything that causes your child to have a seizure. Although there are common triggers, your child may have his own triggers that will be specific only to him. These can include lack of sleep, stress and photosensitivity (flashing lights or visual patterns). Helping him avoid his triggers can hep reduce the number of seizures he has.
Step 4
Know what to do when a seizure happens. If she is sitting or standing when it begins, lower her to the floor as this prevents her from falling and becoming injured. Clear the area around her of any debris she could hurt herself on while convulsing. Roll her onto her side in case she begins vomiting; this prevents her from choking. Time the seizure, and when it is finished, give her time to reorient herself. This may take a few moments, but if it takes more than ten minutes for her to answer simple questions correctly (such as what is her favorite toy), call her doctor as she may need to be examined.
Step 5
Stay positive. Epilepsy can take a major toll on your child's self-esteem and can cause him great embarrassment. Show him you understand by listening to his concerns, but focus on the positive as well. Although epilepsy is a frustrating condition, many can still lead full and happy lives. Focusing on what he can still do will help him see the bright side of life rather than strictly the negative aspect of his seizures.
Tips and Warnings
- Always remain calm. A seizure is a terrifying event to witness, however, you must remain calm to properly care for your child before, during and after the seizure.
- Even if your child's seizures have been under control for months, she may still be prone to having one when you least expect it. If your child is of school age, alert the school about your child's condition and discuss what needs to be done if she has a seizure. Tell any lifeguard or swimming instructor about her epilepsy as it is important to remove your child from the water immediately if she begins having a seizure while swimming.
