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absence seizures and playing sports
Wed, 08/08/2007 - 22:31Topic: Parents & Caregivers
my son was diagnosed with absence in December he is currently on keppra and lamictal I do see some decrease in seizures but would like to see none by now my son is a very active boy he played baseball and did very well he is now starting football a little nervous about this not sure if I should let him play even though docter says its ok my son is 8 any one have same issues
Re: absence seizures and playing sports
Submitted by cheryl doran on Wed, 2007-08-08 - 23:14
My son was diagnosed in 03 and was well controlled for 2 yrs. He then began having a fair amt. of simple partial szs. with a straightening of his L arm and sl. bending of his head.These lasted about 30-45 secs. My son is very athletic and has played on select soccer and select basketball teams. I've lost track of how many szs. he's had on a soccer field or basketbasll court, but I've always left the decision to my son. He's very aware when he has a sz. and what he may look like. I will not lie to you about how hard it is to watch him have those szs. while on a court or field. It really tears me up. There's been a few times when people began talking because the szs. were so noticeable. One game last yr. he had 5 szs. He would always look at us afterwards and we would just give him a thumbs up and he would keep playing. His szs. are now limited to 5 sec. auras since his brain surgery in Feb. As far as safety is considered, I did worry about it at first, but I know there's no guarantee about anybody's safety out there. As for Gabe, sports are what bring him a great deal of confidence and I just can't take that away. I'm just so grateful that his szs. are better controlled b/c I know the sports only get more physical as they get older. So far, we are O.K. with Gabe doing anything that brings any sense of normalcy to his life. I know it's hard to not worry, that's what we mothers do so well, but I'm sure you'll find he'll be much happier doing what he loves. It just makes him feel more like a normal kid. I've found that all of his coaches have been more than understanding once they know about the szs. and what they look like. I've always told the coach that Gabe will let you know when he needs to step out if he's having too many. Good luck with everything-I know it's a hard road to go on. Cheryl