Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?

Wed, 02/03/2010 - 14:14

HI - 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 kitch on Mon, 2010-05-10 - 06:52

Hi I have a daughter who is 8 yrs, she has abscence epilepsey for 16 months now, and I too have chosen not to medicate her, they are very brief spells, and still goes about her daily tasks as normal, school have not noticed these episodes yet, and she seems to be ok on herself, my daugther swims, and I just watch at the side when it is her lesson, she starts swimming with the school in yr5, and they have said they will just take an extra teacher with them as look out, so far she has done well with swimming and passed her honours and also done her mile swim without any problems, i give her omega 3, ive heard that this can help. She seem worse when she is over tired, but she can still hear me talk to her, like i say they are only brief episodes, but she has quite a few a day, when tired, I try and let her get plenty of sleep. The Dr has decided to go along with me for now with not medicating, this was the most terrifying thing ive done, its just the side effects of the drugs seem to outweigh how she is at the moment, this has torn me apart and I worry all the time, we are very caring parents, but feel we would try alternatives first, hope your daughter is doing well

take care Diane

Hi I have a daughter who is 8 yrs, she has abscence epilepsey for 16 months now, and I too have chosen not to medicate her, they are very brief spells, and still goes about her daily tasks as normal, school have not noticed these episodes yet, and she seems to be ok on herself, my daugther swims, and I just watch at the side when it is her lesson, she starts swimming with the school in yr5, and they have said they will just take an extra teacher with them as look out, so far she has done well with swimming and passed her honours and also done her mile swim without any problems, i give her omega 3, ive heard that this can help. She seem worse when she is over tired, but she can still hear me talk to her, like i say they are only brief episodes, but she has quite a few a day, when tired, I try and let her get plenty of sleep. The Dr has decided to go along with me for now with not medicating, this was the most terrifying thing ive done, its just the side effects of the drugs seem to outweigh how she is at the moment, this has torn me apart and I worry all the time, we are very caring parents, but feel we would try alternatives first, hope your daughter is doing well

take care Diane

I NEVER WAS MEDICATED FOR ABSENCE SEIZURES

Submitted by Brooksiebb on Fri, 2013-08-02 - 00:51
Hi, my name is Brooke Bechtol. I suffered from these, (what I used to call "daydreams" as a kid) absence seizures for over 16 years. My parents never drew attention to it, nor was I put on medication. I felt like a normal kid with a big imagination . Looking back now, I know these moments weren't normal, and it's one of the feelings I will never forget. Feeling it coming on...i begin shutting off, staring into space as if through glazed fuzzy glasses, and then taking in the best yawn ever to click back into motion. I am so thankful to my parents that my natural mind was not altered by chemicals that could have made me a dependant crippled. I'm 31 years old today, prescription free, with a beautiful family, amazing husband, and 4 gorgeous children. Just let the body heal itself, and let God stay The Great a physician. ;)

Re: Is anyone NOT medicating for Absence Seizures?

Submitted by katelambo on Fri, 2010-04-09 - 17:11

Hi there

I am mum to Lille, who if 5 years old.  In November last year Lille was diagnosed with absence seizures.  I too have chosen not to medicate and completley understand your concerns.  It is a very distressing and confusing time for me (and must be for you too) and I completley understand your predicament.  I dont want to change my daughter in any way by controlling her absences with medication and perhaps substitute one problem for another but neither do i wish to be preventing her from a 'normal' childhood by not doing. I find it hard to fight against the medical world who, although tolerate my wishes are concerned about my not medicating.  I have changed our whole diet (we only eat homemade food from natural ingredients) removed any harmful products from our home environment (sls', parabens) and Lille also sees a homeopath and has regular cranial sacral massage. I can honestly say that her seizures (she was having about 40 a day) have reduced significantly and she now has 3 or 4 a day.  Although on a bad day (when she is tired mainly) they raise significantly - (max 10 lasting about 6 seconds) and im aware that Lille is somewhat confused and daized after a seizure. It is on these days that i question my decision although i know, hand on heart how much the changes to our lifestyle have helped matters.  She is currently progressing well at school although on her last parents evening her teacher commented on her tendancy to become distracted and disinterested (although without seizures, this was also a regular comment made about myself when i was a little girl!).

I worry that as she is so young she cannot describe the feelings of 'disjointed-ness'and no one can really assess how her 'blips' are effecting her.  It also makes me feel sad that she really doesnt know any different.  I am now seeing a childhood nutritionlist who has presrcibed Lille with magnesium although i would ensure you have these prescribed rather than just trying them out.  I feel that the last 4 months for me have been a journey of discovery about environment, neurology and nutrition and it is only a matter of time until i discover the final piece to the jigsaw which will rid of her seizures altogether but it is on days when i see her tired and having many absences that make me question my actions.  I hope i have helped you and would love for you to get in contact if you want to discuss any of the methods i am trying or talk through your decision not to medicate with someone who is in the same boat, we are, like everyone else  trying to do the very best for our precious little ones. Sending love and the warmest of wishes.  Kate

Hi there

I am mum to Lille, who if 5 years old.  In November last year Lille was diagnosed with absence seizures.  I too have chosen not to medicate and completley understand your concerns.  It is a very distressing and confusing time for me (and must be for you too) and I completley understand your predicament.  I dont want to change my daughter in any way by controlling her absences with medication and perhaps substitute one problem for another but neither do i wish to be preventing her from a 'normal' childhood by not doing. I find it hard to fight against the medical world who, although tolerate my wishes are concerned about my not medicating.  I have changed our whole diet (we only eat homemade food from natural ingredients) removed any harmful products from our home environment (sls', parabens) and Lille also sees a homeopath and has regular cranial sacral massage. I can honestly say that her seizures (she was having about 40 a day) have reduced significantly and she now has 3 or 4 a day.  Although on a bad day (when she is tired mainly) they raise significantly - (max 10 lasting about 6 seconds) and im aware that Lille is somewhat confused and daized after a seizure. It is on these days that i question my decision although i know, hand on heart how much the changes to our lifestyle have helped matters.  She is currently progressing well at school although on her last parents evening her teacher commented on her tendancy to become distracted and disinterested (although without seizures, this was also a regular comment made about myself when i was a little girl!).

I worry that as she is so young she cannot describe the feelings of 'disjointed-ness'and no one can really assess how her 'blips' are effecting her.  It also makes me feel sad that she really doesnt know any different.  I am now seeing a childhood nutritionlist who has presrcibed Lille with magnesium although i would ensure you have these prescribed rather than just trying them out.  I feel that the last 4 months for me have been a journey of discovery about environment, neurology and nutrition and it is only a matter of time until i discover the final piece to the jigsaw which will rid of her seizures altogether but it is on days when i see her tired and having many absences that make me question my actions.  I hope i have helped you and would love for you to get in contact if you want to discuss any of the methods i am trying or talk through your decision not to medicate with someone who is in the same boat, we are, like everyone else  trying to do the very best for our precious little ones. Sending love and the warmest of wishes.  Kate

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.