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.

Seizure Helmets & School - Need some advice! Please!

Sun, 09/10/2006 - 02:28
My son will be 8 soon. He is in an IEP class with 6 kids at a mainstream Elementary school. Normally, his seizures last anywhere from 2-15 seconds, 1 to 5 times a day, he does not usually get hurt from these seizures. The ones that worry me are the drop seizures. They started when his doctor switched the Tegretol to Trileptal. He had never had a drop seizure before then, in 5 years since he had epilepsy. (He is off the Trileptal now, but still has drop seizures occasionally) Drop seizures do more than just make him fall to the ground suddenly, - I swear they literally slam his head to the floor. He broke his nose twice from this in the past year. For the past few months, these have been under control (they happen infrequently, thankfully, but cause severe injuries - if not bloody noses, then big gooseggs). Today, after several months of no injuries, he had another one - from the other room, I heard the BANG of his head when he hit the carpet. He cried for 15 minutes, and now has a lovely bruise. I know the school wants him to wear a helmet, because he broke his nose there in March. His father does not want him to wear one because he knows the kids will make fun of him. I am torn in between. I am terrified he will break his nose again and do not want him to hurt his head again. But I know he will hate having to be the only one in school who has to wear a helmet and that everyone will be looking at him and I am sure kids will make fun of him, etc. He already hates going to school & says other kids call him stupid. His life is so tough, I dont want to make it harder for him. But I dont want him to get hurt again either. I could really use some advice out there from other parents who have dealt with this dilemma.

Comments

Re: Seizure Helmets & School - Need some advice! Please!

Submitted by hblaurah on Sun, 2006-09-10 - 11:02
I am so sorry about this. My son who just turned 16 has been diagnosed with epilepsy this past summer. He has hurt himself three times since May. The first time he had a seizure he cracked his head open on the tile in the kitchen and had five stiches. I thought he was dying. Then he dislocated his shoulder twice in two weeks. The worry from injury is terrifing. I feel your pain and worry. At your son's age he may be more willing to wear a helmet but my son absolutley won't. All I can suggest is what is more important right now for your son, his safety or kids making fun of him. If he doesn't have drop seizures often then it may be better for your son to not wear one but if he has them all the time then it would probably be better until you can get them under control. My son just has the grand mal seizures and we do not know when they will occur but they seem to come every two to three weeks even on Depakote. I wish I could help more but it's really what's best for your family. I was even thinking of home schooling him but he won't go for that. Your child might, this way you can be availble at all times for him. Take care.

Sign Up for Emails

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