absence seizures

Re: absence seizures

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2007-03-17 - 10:22

No magic answer, but how parents react is key to how their kids will deal with it. You touched on most important part- confidence! We know that a person feeling confident in their abilities to manage their seizures is very important in their ability to do it! Confidence also relates to mood and how a person manages stigma. While worry and anxiety are understandable, they don't help build confidence. Also, not telling others about the seizures can be counterproductive - it can send message that the seizures are something bad and should be hidden from others. Telling others needs to be done in way that takes away fear and promotes a positive attitude and approach of how to handle it.

Counselors, such as social workers,psychologists or psychiatrists can be very helpful to families in adjusting emotionally to epilepsy, tips to build confidence and manage fears, as well as work with school personnel and other important people in a child's life. These may be found thru an epilepsy center or school counselor. If there is an Epilepsy Foundation affiliate in your area, call them to see if there are counselors they can recommond who understand epilepsy. There are also programs that can be used to help educate school personnel about seizures.

Here are few links on common issues for kids and families. And of course the forum members here have lots of experience in this!

kids section

family section

Take care,

Epi_help

Epilepsy.com Resource Specialist

Re: absence seizures

Submitted by DM on Mon, 2007-03-19 - 00:05

Noahsmom, I am new to this web site, chat room, blog, etc... I am learning a lot. Your question hit home with your sons age and type of seizures. My son is 8 and has seizures currently his are where he spsces out. Is that the same as absence? I have heard different names. When he was younger he had grand moll. So to comment on your question I would say yes you need to tell the school or any adult who is around your son. not that this could happen to your son but I would be concerened that his seizures could change and be more obvious that it was a seizure.Or he would need medical treatment right away. The school needs to know what your protical is in that event. It is a terrible disorder but try not to be ashamed or your son. Easier said than done. I feel so helpless as well and alone. My son is 3 years behind which is a lot when your only 8. It is so hard not to always second guess your decisions. Just trying to help. Mother of DM

Re: absence seizures

Submitted by macsmom on Tue, 2007-03-20 - 11:17

Noahsmom, I also have a 10 year old daughter who was diag with absence seizures in December 2005. I too was unsure of how to inform the school and others as to her seizures. I however have found that our school has been very supportive and helpful. Medicines can sometimes have a impact on how they learn, and her teachers have been aware and have modified how she is graded. It is such a hard issue, but I can not say that I regret in the least bit. in November of 2006 she had a tonic clonic seizure, it was not expected but I can say that I was glad everyone was informed so that they knew how to take care of her. I have always told her that individuals around her need to know for her safety, and I feel better because we have developed a plan of action with the school on how to handle her learning issues and a medical emergency should it be necessary. One emergency room doctor who also had a child with E gave me some great advise. Don't put her in a bubble, she still is a child and the best thing you can do is let her be a child. You will never stop worring, that is our job. Take care and feel free to contact me if you need to talk. Deb.