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Seizure Helmets & School - Need some advice! Please!

Mon, 09/11/2006 - 21:08
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

DJsMom, Full90 (Full90.com)

Submitted by DAD316 on Tue, 2006-09-12 - 08:00
DJsMom, Full90 (Full90.com) makes protective headgear for youth, recreational and professional soccer players. Whereas I also endure GM/TC seizures and the helmets offer little protection for the nose, it has prevented me from some serious head injuries during my ordeal. Also, a stocking cap can easily conceal the helmet. Hope this helps john

Re: DJsMom, Full90 (Full90.com)

Submitted by DJsMom on Tue, 2006-09-12 - 21:51
Hi John. Thanks for the tip. I checked them out and they are pretty cool looking (& comfortable too). Maybe I will give my son a choice. At least the head gear could help prevent serious cerebral injuries. He does get a lot of gooseggs. I really want to protect his nose tho, it is already pretty messed up from 2 or 3 breaks. But that would require a full face mask, which is a lot more visible/obvious/prone to stares, etc. than this headgear would be, so this might be a great compromise! I hope they make him for his size. Thanks so much for your help.

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

Submitted by angel_lts on Tue, 2006-09-12 - 08:26
I would go to the school and teach a bit about epilepsy to the teacher and kids. Hand out paper work, and show a movie. Have the kids ask questions... Go to the Epilepsy Foundation in your area and get some info. It really can help a great deal. What meds is he taking now?? The helmet will just keep him so safe. take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/

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