Who can I call in an emergency?
If a seizure lasts more than 3-4 minutes, be prepared to call 9-1-1. Prolonged seizures are a medical emergency.
Where can I go for help?
Local (Charlottesville, VA)
UVA Children's Hospital Pediatric Epilepsy Center UVA Hospital has a specialized treatment center called the Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (PEMU), which is an inpatient facility designed specifically for children with seizures. Treatment options including medications, implantation devices, dietary treatments, and surgical treatments are provided at this family-centered facility. The hospital is certified at the highest designation (Level 4) for epilepsy care possible.
Epilepsy and Pediatric Neurology Clinic Outpatient clinic through UVA hospital that provides patients with treatment specific to epilepsy and other neurologic disorders. The clinic has nurses, doctors, and other care providers that provide collaborative care that is tailored to epileptic patients. Diagnostic evaluations, educational materials, medication changes, genetic counseling, and personalized treatment plans are all available through this facility.
State (VA)
Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia is to, "promote awareness about epilepsy, and advocate for and provide assistance to Virginians with the disorder." One of the ways that they do this is providing training sessions to professionals, families, friends, and colleagues. Public education is also provided through presentations at schools and talk shows on radio and television. EFVA also provides support by offering medication assistance as well as transportation assistance. This is a non-profit organization that has six locations in the state of Virginia.
National (USA)
Epilepsy Foundation This foundation acts as a national resource for patients, family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals that is dedicated to improving the lives of all people affected by epilepsy. This foundation provides community support, encourages innovation in new treatments, raises seizure awareness, and advocates for improved rights for people with epilepsy
How will I be able to afford treatment?
Medications for controlling epilepsy can be expensive. Thankfully, there are many programs to help reduce costs for patients who need assistance. The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia has created a comprehensive Drug Booklet that outlines the numerous available programs. Also, remember that you do not have to navigate financial matters alone! If you need any assistance in obtaining medications, speak to a member of your health team and they will help get you in contact with the appropriate services.
Where can I talk to other people in this situation?
There are many blogs and forums available online where patients and family members are able to offer each other support. We recommend the Community Forum through the Epilepsy Foundation. It may also be helpful to attend face to face support groups for patients and family members with epilepsy. Locally, we have a support group held the first Tuesday of every month at the Community Care Center, Augusta Health Campus, 78 Medical Center Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939.
If a seizure lasts more than 3-4 minutes, be prepared to call 9-1-1. Prolonged seizures are a medical emergency.
Where can I go for help?
Local (Charlottesville, VA)
UVA Children's Hospital Pediatric Epilepsy Center UVA Hospital has a specialized treatment center called the Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (PEMU), which is an inpatient facility designed specifically for children with seizures. Treatment options including medications, implantation devices, dietary treatments, and surgical treatments are provided at this family-centered facility. The hospital is certified at the highest designation (Level 4) for epilepsy care possible.
Epilepsy and Pediatric Neurology Clinic Outpatient clinic through UVA hospital that provides patients with treatment specific to epilepsy and other neurologic disorders. The clinic has nurses, doctors, and other care providers that provide collaborative care that is tailored to epileptic patients. Diagnostic evaluations, educational materials, medication changes, genetic counseling, and personalized treatment plans are all available through this facility.
State (VA)
Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia is to, "promote awareness about epilepsy, and advocate for and provide assistance to Virginians with the disorder." One of the ways that they do this is providing training sessions to professionals, families, friends, and colleagues. Public education is also provided through presentations at schools and talk shows on radio and television. EFVA also provides support by offering medication assistance as well as transportation assistance. This is a non-profit organization that has six locations in the state of Virginia.
National (USA)
Epilepsy Foundation This foundation acts as a national resource for patients, family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals that is dedicated to improving the lives of all people affected by epilepsy. This foundation provides community support, encourages innovation in new treatments, raises seizure awareness, and advocates for improved rights for people with epilepsy
How will I be able to afford treatment?
Medications for controlling epilepsy can be expensive. Thankfully, there are many programs to help reduce costs for patients who need assistance. The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia has created a comprehensive Drug Booklet that outlines the numerous available programs. Also, remember that you do not have to navigate financial matters alone! If you need any assistance in obtaining medications, speak to a member of your health team and they will help get you in contact with the appropriate services.
Where can I talk to other people in this situation?
There are many blogs and forums available online where patients and family members are able to offer each other support. We recommend the Community Forum through the Epilepsy Foundation. It may also be helpful to attend face to face support groups for patients and family members with epilepsy. Locally, we have a support group held the first Tuesday of every month at the Community Care Center, Augusta Health Campus, 78 Medical Center Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939.