Having a Child With Epilepsy

Parents usually feel a huge sense of responsibility for their child.

When a child has epilepsy, you feel there is less control over what happens to them - because seizures are unpredictable. We say "stay calm" but you see your child having a seizure and it is difficult to not feel anxious, upset and frightened.

You are probably asking "Why?...Why does my child have epilepsy?" "Why has this happening to us? " What have we done to deserve this?"

The questions are endless. The fear, grief and anger - and sometimes guilt, causes unbearable emotional anguish. You are not alone with these questions, in fact most parents experience these feelings at some stage. You are merely experiencing a normal reaction to being given a diagnosis that creates uncertainty.

Sometimes, diagnosis is a relief. Finally you know what is wrong with your child and can face the future with some understanding of what to do and expect.

Fortunately, for most, this expectation can be that their child will have a reasonably normal life, with few restrictions. Most seizures will respond to medication and it is quite possible your child will grow out of their seizures.

Who Should We Tell?

Other issues will be "How do I explain this to my child, my other children, my friends"? Who needs to know? How will this affect their future?

Try not to answer all your questions at once. Speak with your child and see what he/she may want. Work through things slowly or as they arise.

Protecting Your Child

One of the most difficult areas parents speak about is not "over protecting" their child. This is instinctive, to protect one's children from ridicule, potential harm, or from taking risks. Yet, children take risks everyday, as a normal part of growing up, a satisfying of their curiosity. It is important to let them lead a normal life as possible.

How parents react and respond now greatly affects the child's response, feelings and future. Learning about epilepsy, talking openly to your child, accepting the epilepsy and treating your child as you treat any other, will lead towards a positive effect on the child's outcome.

Talk to Someone

Its best to discuss these concerns with someone who understands. Someone who will not judge you for your worrying about the life of someone you love. This may be your doctor, a friend, or a counsellor.

The message here is TALK about it, LEARN as much as you can, KNOWLEDGE gives you CHOICE and CONTROL.

Explaining Epilepsy to Your Child

Sometimes it can be very difficult for a child to understand a disorder like epilepsy. These might help:
Talking to Kids About Brain Related Conditions
Epilepsy in Childrens Words

There are countless Questions & Concerns that Parents have expressed. You may want to add yours to the list, if so please email us.

• Why us?
• Is it normal to feel so angry?
• Why isn't there a cure?
• Will my child be able to have a family?
• Can they play sports?
• Do I tell the teacher? Do I tell his friends?
• How do I explain this to..?
• How do I deal with their anger?
• How do I deal with their refusal to take their medication?
• What are the long term side-effects of the medication?
• Can they drive?
• Does it restrict their choice of employment?
• Is it genetic? Will they out grow it?
• What can trigger a seizure?
• What causes epilepsy?
• What are the treatments?
• Is there any alternative to taking medicines?
• Can surgery help?
• Does seizures cause brain damage?
• Will it affect their learning?
• Will their children have epilepsy?
  
  Many of these questions can be directed to your specialist, or discussed with an educator from Epilepsy Action.

Articles of interest:

Restrictions for Children with Epilepsy
Your Child and Epilepsy
Quality of Life for Children with Epilepsy

1300 EPILEPSY ( 1300 37 45 37)
Australia wide Priority Call

Has this information helped you? Then why not help us Make a Difference.