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9 year old with absent seizures

Wed, 09/20/2006 - 14:59
Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Youth
Hi everyone, I am new to this forum but went looking for support. My daughter was diagnosed with ADD last year because of difficulties in focusing in school. (Since JK.) We began the ADD medication concerta which brough out these seizures. They only last 5 seconds and she is fine. After we took her off Add medication the seizures are hardly there but I still see them (hard to see sometimes) We had her diagnosed with E after a sleep deprived EEG. We are going to start lamitical this week. My question is after reading on this forum, could she get worse after she startes the medication? I have been hearing that some kids get worse and it becomes grand mals. Now I am scared to death. Should I leave her alone? She is not that bad now I am scared to give her anything. Can anyone share a storylike mine and tell me how the medication did work on the absent seizures. My daughter is 9 years old and so bright and dealing pretty good with this. It's her mother that need help. I want to do what is best for her and yet I don't want to do anthing. Does this make sence? I am praying everyday for the hope that she will out grow this. What should I be doing and saying to her so she can cope with this as she gets older. I don't want to break her spirit. Help wanted Tre

Comments

Re: 9 year old with absent seizures

Submitted by dmom3005 on Wed, 2006-09-20 - 17:54
That is something no one can answer. Its possible either way that your daughter could have other kinds of seizures. OR that she could just continue having absence seizures. Usually though if she has absence and the medicines work then the best way to get control or to keep from having more kinds of seizures is to get control on the medicines. But that is something only you and her doctor can tell. Some kids and adults when they don't start medicines for many reason's start having more seizures and more kinds. Donna

Re: 9 year old with absent seizures

Submitted by christy may on Fri, 2009-04-03 - 14:42

I too have a 9 year old who was diagnosed with absent seizures at age 5.  Although she was not having that many a day, our doctor recommended that we go ahead and put on medication. We started out with the medication Zarontin, changed to Depakote, and for the past two years have been taking Lamictal.  Lamictal seemed to be the "magic" medicine. But now, Im looking for any information in regards to the after effects of being on medicine for so many years.  We have never had an issue with her ability to concentrate her getting along with her peers.  She is extremely intelligent and caring but my heart tells me that as a result of endearing these for the past 4 years and her being on medication, it has affected her ability to concentrate and her ability to filter social situations.  Is there anyone out there who can relate?  As we all know age 9 is difficult as it is for these young girls, let alone to also have to navigate seizures as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

christy

I too have a 9 year old who was diagnosed with absent seizures at age 5.  Although she was not having that many a day, our doctor recommended that we go ahead and put on medication. We started out with the medication Zarontin, changed to Depakote, and for the past two years have been taking Lamictal.  Lamictal seemed to be the "magic" medicine. But now, Im looking for any information in regards to the after effects of being on medicine for so many years.  We have never had an issue with her ability to concentrate her getting along with her peers.  She is extremely intelligent and caring but my heart tells me that as a result of endearing these for the past 4 years and her being on medication, it has affected her ability to concentrate and her ability to filter social situations.  Is there anyone out there who can relate?  As we all know age 9 is difficult as it is for these young girls, let alone to also have to navigate seizures as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

christy

Re: 9 year old with absent seizures

Submitted by marisa_833 on Tue, 2009-04-07 - 15:26

My daughter is seven years old and was diagnosed with absence seizures about six months ago.  She has been on Zarontin for about four months.  When did you notice the problems with concentrating?  And why did she change medications?  My daughter has had problems with this medication but her doctor really wants her to stay on it.  We have changed the dose many times.  I definitely notice her having problems concentrating.  She has always done really well in school and now it seems like things arent clicking.  Any information you have would be great.  Thank you.

Marisa

My daughter is seven years old and was diagnosed with absence seizures about six months ago.  She has been on Zarontin for about four months.  When did you notice the problems with concentrating?  And why did she change medications?  My daughter has had problems with this medication but her doctor really wants her to stay on it.  We have changed the dose many times.  I definitely notice her having problems concentrating.  She has always done really well in school and now it seems like things arent clicking.  Any information you have would be great.  Thank you.

Marisa

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