Collaborative Care
Who treats epilepsy?
It takes a village to raise a child. And it takes a team of health professionals to provide the best care for children with epilepsy. As patients with epilepsy receive care, they encounter a number of people with special skills to help them manage their condition. The following team members work together to ensure that all needs are met:
Pediatric epileptologists are neurologists with special training in managing epilepsy in children. These physicians work as a team to help you determine the best course of treatment for your child.
Nurses not only take care of patients while they are in the hospital, but they also serve as educators and patient advocates. The nurses who care for your child in the hospital will have special training in providing care for children with epilepsy.
Pharmacists may assist your health care provider in selecting the safest and most effective medication treatment for your condition. If you have any questions regarding your medications, a pharmacist can assist you.
Physical Therapists (PT) specialize in helping patients overcome limitations affecting mobility, coordination, and strength. The kinds of therapy your child will receive depend on what deficits are present. Many children with epilepsy do not require physical therapy, but others benefit greatly.
Occupational Therapists (OT) complement physical therapists by focusing on how to help your child accomplish activities of daily living. They will make sure that your child can function safely at home, school, and in any other environment.
Dietitians/Nutritionists can be an incredibly useful resource for learning about dietary control of epilepsy. Transitioning to low carbohydrate diets requires precise measuring and learning to prepare new meals. Dietitians will provide you will all the tools you need to be successful in nourishing your child.
Psychiatrists are available to help manage any psychological or behavioral issues that may arise with your child. It can be difficult for some children to cope with seizures and treatment, and psychiatrists can help your child adjust.
Child life specialists are professionals who are devoted to making children's stay in the hospital as enjoyable as possible. If your child seems to be having difficulty adjusting to the hospital environment, or shows reluctance to engage in necessary care, a child life specialist can come to make your child more comfortable.
Chaplains offer spiritual support for patients and families, but they also do more than that. They are wonderful at listening to any concerns your family may have and offering any needed counsel.
Volunteers come to visit children in the hospital daily with open hearts and open arms. On any given day, your child may be offered the chance to be greeted by a well-trained, loving animal, spend time playing games with a college student, or be entertained by clowns.
As a parent of a child with epilepsy, it is easy to lose sight that you may need support as well. The team at the hospital strives to offer family-centered care. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Regardless of whether you need more information, a rest from the hospital, or a shoulder to lean on, the team at the hospital is there for you!
It takes a village to raise a child. And it takes a team of health professionals to provide the best care for children with epilepsy. As patients with epilepsy receive care, they encounter a number of people with special skills to help them manage their condition. The following team members work together to ensure that all needs are met:
Pediatric epileptologists are neurologists with special training in managing epilepsy in children. These physicians work as a team to help you determine the best course of treatment for your child.
Nurses not only take care of patients while they are in the hospital, but they also serve as educators and patient advocates. The nurses who care for your child in the hospital will have special training in providing care for children with epilepsy.
Pharmacists may assist your health care provider in selecting the safest and most effective medication treatment for your condition. If you have any questions regarding your medications, a pharmacist can assist you.
Physical Therapists (PT) specialize in helping patients overcome limitations affecting mobility, coordination, and strength. The kinds of therapy your child will receive depend on what deficits are present. Many children with epilepsy do not require physical therapy, but others benefit greatly.
Occupational Therapists (OT) complement physical therapists by focusing on how to help your child accomplish activities of daily living. They will make sure that your child can function safely at home, school, and in any other environment.
Dietitians/Nutritionists can be an incredibly useful resource for learning about dietary control of epilepsy. Transitioning to low carbohydrate diets requires precise measuring and learning to prepare new meals. Dietitians will provide you will all the tools you need to be successful in nourishing your child.
Psychiatrists are available to help manage any psychological or behavioral issues that may arise with your child. It can be difficult for some children to cope with seizures and treatment, and psychiatrists can help your child adjust.
Child life specialists are professionals who are devoted to making children's stay in the hospital as enjoyable as possible. If your child seems to be having difficulty adjusting to the hospital environment, or shows reluctance to engage in necessary care, a child life specialist can come to make your child more comfortable.
Chaplains offer spiritual support for patients and families, but they also do more than that. They are wonderful at listening to any concerns your family may have and offering any needed counsel.
Volunteers come to visit children in the hospital daily with open hearts and open arms. On any given day, your child may be offered the chance to be greeted by a well-trained, loving animal, spend time playing games with a college student, or be entertained by clowns.
As a parent of a child with epilepsy, it is easy to lose sight that you may need support as well. The team at the hospital strives to offer family-centered care. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Regardless of whether you need more information, a rest from the hospital, or a shoulder to lean on, the team at the hospital is there for you!