The Epilepsy Foundation estimates that more than 300,000 children under the age of 14 are affected by seizures. In some cases, children outgrow this condition, while others must cope with its effects into adulthood. Due to the impact seizures may have on your child, both personally and socially, it is important for you, his caregiver, to learn as much about his condition as possible. The more you know, the more empowered you are to cope with his needs.
Step 1
Take the child to his doctor. Waste no time in getting your child diagnosed; this is the only way he can receive the treatment necessary to help manage and control his seizure activity. His physician may recommend taking him to a neurologist for a more thorough evaluation, which can include a family and medical history, a physical exam and diagnostic tests, such as an EEG.
Step 2
Discuss treatment options with his doctor. Whether your child is being treated by his family physician or a neurologist, ask as many questions as possible about his treatment plan. It is important to know when to give him his medications, what side effects may occur and any signs that may indicate his medication needs to be adjusted in dose or completely altered.
Step 3
Keep a log of your child's seizures. Tracking your child's seizure activity, making note of specific activities or stimuli that trigger his seizures and keeping track of his behavior once his seizure has ended is beneficial for both you and his physician. Not only will this give his doctor further insight into his condition and needs, it also helps you prepare for seizure activity.
Step 4
Recognize his triggers. A trigger is a specific event or environmental factor that causes a seizure to occur. Lack of sleep, stressful situations or flashing lights are just a few examples of what may cause your child to have a seizure, although triggers tend to vary with each individual. Knowing his triggers will enable you to keep your child from being exposed to them, thus preventing a seizure.
Step 5
Educate your child about his condition. Seizures are a frightening event, both for you and your child. To help ease his worry and frustration, talk to him about his condition. Reading the book "Taking Seizure Disorders to School: A Story About Epilepsy" by Kim Gosselin can help your child understand what a seizure disorder is while sorting the myths about epilepsy from the facts.
Step 6
Talk to his teacher. You don't always know when a seizure is going to strike; therefore, it is vital to speak to your child's teacher and school nurse about his specific condition. Explain what to expect before, during and after an episode, and when it may be necessary to call for emergency medical help. It is also necessary to explain what to do for your child during his seizure, as this disorder affects all children differently.
Tips and Warnings
- Never alter the dose of your child's medication without discussing it first with his doctor. A sudden increase or decrease in certain seizure medications may result in a seizure.
- If your child's seizure lasts longer than five minutes, call for emergency medical help.
Things You'll Need
- Proper diagnosis
- Knowledge of treatment
- Log of seizure activity
- Recognition of triggers
- Communication with your child
- Communication with your child's school
