Living with Epilepsy
When do children get epilepsy?
"In childhood, epilepsy is more common in the first year of life, and its incidence decreases progressively with increasing age, affecting approximately 100 children per 100,000 births in the first year of life, 40 children for every 100,000 births in subsequent years, and approximately 20 individuals per 100,000 adolescents" (Cristina & Rubens, 2011).
Can my child attend regular schools?
Yes. The school should be informed of your child's condition so they can be prepared if a seizure does occur. Medication instructions and permission slips will also be helpful in case your child requires medication.
Who do I need to tell about my child's seizures?
Teachers, school nurses, baby-sitters, lifeguards, swimming instructors, coaches, friends, family members, or basically anyone who might be watching your child while you are not around.
How can I promote self esteem in my child?
As a parent, you should allow your child to ask questions about their condition. This will help them from feeling embarrassed or ashamed by it. It is important that you focus on your child's strengths rather than what they are not able to do.
Can my child play sports?
Yes. Physical activity is beneficial in patients with epilepsy. There are many activities that are safe for children with epilepsy including soccer, jogging, baseball, dancing, and many more. Some activities have moderate risk and require direct supervision including swimming, horseback riding, biking, skateboarding, gymnastics, ice skating, and football. High risk activities include rock climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skydiving, car racing, cave exploring, boxing, and hang gliding.
Are there any daily activities that my child absolutely should not do?
ALWAYS supervise while your child is taking a bath. Showering is encouraged for older children. ALWAYS supervise your child when he or she is swimming or near water. There is also a higher risk for injury on elevated structures and near traffic.
Will my child ever be seizure-free?
Certain types of epilepsy are completely outgrown, and many children are free of seizures with medication therapy. This depends mostly on the type of epilepsy that your child has. Your health care provider should be able to provide you with more information.
Will my child be able to drive a car when he is old enough?
Patients who are seizure-free for 6 months are able to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Virginia.
Will my child's condition change our family dynamic?
It is normal for siblings to feel resentment towards their brother or sister with epilepsy because of the extra attention that the child may receive from parents. In some cases, siblings feel that it is their fault that their brother or sister has epilepsy, and they may also fear that they will experience seizures as well. Siblings of children with epilepsy should be encouraged to openly discuss feeling with their parents. There are sibling support groups that may also give the child an opportunity to express their feeling. Parents should reinforce caring and attention to all of their children.
Can my child have intellectual disabilities?
There are no intellectual disabilities that are caused by seizure. However, there are many conditions that cause both seizures and intellectual disabilities. The intellectual disabilities from these conditions can vary from mild to severe. Children with epilepsy should be assessed developmentally to determine if cognitive deficits are present. School performance evaluations may help as well.
Are behavioral issues or mental health problems commonly associated with epilepsy?
Attention deficit disorder is not uncommon in children with epilepsy. Other possible behavioral/mental health issues include hyperactivity, depression, anxiety and negative behaviors. These issues are often effectively treated with medication and behavioral therapy. Ask your primary care provider if you feel that your child may need help treating behavioral or mental health problems.
Are learning problems common in children with epilepsy?
Children with epilepsy may be affected by problems with learning. Problems range from mild to severe and depend on multiple factors including type of epilepsy, age of seizure onset, and if symptoms are well-managed. Learning ability can also be affected by certain anti-epileptic medications. Your child's specific needs should be addressed by his or her teachers, family members, and medical providers.
"In childhood, epilepsy is more common in the first year of life, and its incidence decreases progressively with increasing age, affecting approximately 100 children per 100,000 births in the first year of life, 40 children for every 100,000 births in subsequent years, and approximately 20 individuals per 100,000 adolescents" (Cristina & Rubens, 2011).
Can my child attend regular schools?
Yes. The school should be informed of your child's condition so they can be prepared if a seizure does occur. Medication instructions and permission slips will also be helpful in case your child requires medication.
Who do I need to tell about my child's seizures?
Teachers, school nurses, baby-sitters, lifeguards, swimming instructors, coaches, friends, family members, or basically anyone who might be watching your child while you are not around.
How can I promote self esteem in my child?
As a parent, you should allow your child to ask questions about their condition. This will help them from feeling embarrassed or ashamed by it. It is important that you focus on your child's strengths rather than what they are not able to do.
Can my child play sports?
Yes. Physical activity is beneficial in patients with epilepsy. There are many activities that are safe for children with epilepsy including soccer, jogging, baseball, dancing, and many more. Some activities have moderate risk and require direct supervision including swimming, horseback riding, biking, skateboarding, gymnastics, ice skating, and football. High risk activities include rock climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skydiving, car racing, cave exploring, boxing, and hang gliding.
Are there any daily activities that my child absolutely should not do?
ALWAYS supervise while your child is taking a bath. Showering is encouraged for older children. ALWAYS supervise your child when he or she is swimming or near water. There is also a higher risk for injury on elevated structures and near traffic.
Will my child ever be seizure-free?
Certain types of epilepsy are completely outgrown, and many children are free of seizures with medication therapy. This depends mostly on the type of epilepsy that your child has. Your health care provider should be able to provide you with more information.
Will my child be able to drive a car when he is old enough?
Patients who are seizure-free for 6 months are able to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Virginia.
Will my child's condition change our family dynamic?
It is normal for siblings to feel resentment towards their brother or sister with epilepsy because of the extra attention that the child may receive from parents. In some cases, siblings feel that it is their fault that their brother or sister has epilepsy, and they may also fear that they will experience seizures as well. Siblings of children with epilepsy should be encouraged to openly discuss feeling with their parents. There are sibling support groups that may also give the child an opportunity to express their feeling. Parents should reinforce caring and attention to all of their children.
Can my child have intellectual disabilities?
There are no intellectual disabilities that are caused by seizure. However, there are many conditions that cause both seizures and intellectual disabilities. The intellectual disabilities from these conditions can vary from mild to severe. Children with epilepsy should be assessed developmentally to determine if cognitive deficits are present. School performance evaluations may help as well.
Are behavioral issues or mental health problems commonly associated with epilepsy?
Attention deficit disorder is not uncommon in children with epilepsy. Other possible behavioral/mental health issues include hyperactivity, depression, anxiety and negative behaviors. These issues are often effectively treated with medication and behavioral therapy. Ask your primary care provider if you feel that your child may need help treating behavioral or mental health problems.
Are learning problems common in children with epilepsy?
Children with epilepsy may be affected by problems with learning. Problems range from mild to severe and depend on multiple factors including type of epilepsy, age of seizure onset, and if symptoms are well-managed. Learning ability can also be affected by certain anti-epileptic medications. Your child's specific needs should be addressed by his or her teachers, family members, and medical providers.