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Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Wed, 02/03/2010 - 14:14HI - our daughter was diagnosed over the summer with Absence Seizures. Her pediatric neurologist has recommended starting her on Ethosuximide. She has assured us that the side effects are primarily "upset stomach" and that can remedied by taking the medication with food.
We are new to all of this and quite overwhelmed. Currently, these seizures are not interferring with her school work, behavior, or social activities. Since it is most likely that she will "out-grow" them we are reluctant to start medication.
Is there anyone "out there" who has never medicated OR started the medication and then stopped it b/c of the side effects?
We don't want to make the wrong decision. Thank you for any insight.
Comments
Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Submitted by Karen1944 on Sun, 2011-08-28 - 05:14
I am in my 60s and want to add my 2 cents. I guess i do not have epilepsy, but when I was a child I had mild absence seizures, deju view and eye blinking when tired, hyperventiling, etc. and would lose time. I outgrow them in my late teens and never took a pill (not sure they had medication then) and I am fine so I guess it is up to the doctor and severity of the problem and the frequency. If I had it over again to do today, I would opt not to take medication for the mild absence seizures that I had. Hope this helps someone.
I am in my 60s and want to add my 2 cents. I guess i do not have epilepsy, but when I was a child I had mild absence seizures, deju view and eye blinking when tired, hyperventiling, etc. and would lose time. I outgrow them in my late teens and never took a pill (not sure they had medication then) and I am fine so I guess it is up to the doctor and severity of the problem and the frequency. If I had it over again to do today, I would opt not to take medication for the mild absence seizures that I had. Hope this helps someone.
Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Submitted by Laurie Lamantia on Mon, 2012-03-26 - 20:19
Hi my son is 17 and still has absence seizures. He was diagnoised @ age 5 and we didn't medicate for over two years. Unfortuantley they became more frequent and longer and it did effect his life. I wish we could say it helped, but he has failed 7 diffferent medications, two put him in the hospital and the rest either gave him an allergic reation (rash) or made him worse.
I am curious what Homeopthic rememdies you are trying. We have tried herbs and currently avoid all Gluten and are on a version of the Modified Adkins diet, low carb hight fat.
We are always searching, so please let us know what you believe is helping your son.
many thanks,
Laurie
Hi my son is 17 and still has absence seizures. He was diagnoised @ age 5 and we didn't medicate for over two years. Unfortuantley they became more frequent and longer and it did effect his life. I wish we could say it helped, but he has failed 7 diffferent medications, two put him in the hospital and the rest either gave him an allergic reation (rash) or made him worse.
I am curious what Homeopthic rememdies you are trying. We have tried herbs and currently avoid all Gluten and are on a version of the Modified Adkins diet, low carb hight fat.
We are always searching, so please let us know what you believe is helping your son.
many thanks,
Laurie
Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?
Submitted by knittingmommy on Mon, 2010-05-03 - 15:40
I have a 7 yr old son and we have chosen from the beginning to not use medication. We consulted a Health Counselor and now use Homeopathy remedies. It has significantly decreased the seizures to maybe 5 a day and they only last seconds. Praise to God. He functions well in school, homeschooling and social activities as well. I have heard of so many side effects that children suffer and I have to say it scares me too. I couldn't bare to think that he can suffer with these side effects. When he gets older I would rather have him decide for himself. In the mean time, he is only seven. I hope you make the right decision for your child. Sincerely, Brenda