short seizures continue

When I was a child doctors kept trying out different drug therapies in hopes that one day we would find the right pill or pills to completely and comfortably control all seizures.  Today epilepsy specialists encourage people with uncontrolled seizures to seek a specialist and consider alternative treatment.   At an Epilepsy Foundation conference epilepsy specialist Brian Smith once said, "Treating epilepsy with drug therapy isn't like playing the lottery where the more times you enter the better your chances.  But with epilepsy the more medications a patient tries and fails to gain control with the less likely the person is to gain control through any drug therapy."  The fact that your son has tried several medications without successful control doesn't mean he will never gain control with meds, but if he were to get treatment at an epilepsy center these "drug failures" would count toward increased efforts to get him better alternative treatment.  

Hi,Thanks so much for posting. Treatment varies for each individual, so it’s important that you all continue to follow-up with your son’s healthcare team and to determine what individual treatment plan is best for him and any changes in seizure types, frequency, moods, behaviors, sides effects & symptoms. As Michael mentioned in his comment, you all may want to consider seeing an epileptologist (epilepsy specialist). For assistance and information regarding finding a specialist, or a second opinion please visit:https://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/https://www.ilae.org/ https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinionsFor additional information regarding seizure medications and side effects, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-medication-list You all may want to consider with your son’s doctor having a device that can help track  seizures, by visiting https://www.dannydid.org/ , and by keeping a seizure diary, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary .These tools may be helpful in managing his medication, identifying & tracking seizures, other symptoms, therapies,recognizing triggers and health events that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with his healthcare team. Learn more about seizure alert devices & medication management here, https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf It is common for those who are in caretaker role to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and it is just as important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well.It can be helpful to connect with other parents who care for those with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find & give support to each other, by visiting:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers/parents-helping-parents  and contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at:https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates  to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally, you may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline:1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline