To help prevent seizures, make sure your child:
- Takes medication(s) as prescribed
- Avoids triggers (such as fever and overtiredness)
- Sees the neurologist as recommended – about one to four times a year – even if responding well to medication
Keeping your child well fed and well rested and reducing unnecessary stress are all key factors that can help manage epilepsy. Common-sense precautions to take (based on how controlled the epilepsy is) include:
- Younger kids should always be supervised in the bathtub (a responsible adult should always be within arm's reach) and older kids should take showers with the bathroom door unlocked – and only when there is someone else in the house. (It's also wise to lower the temperature of hot water so a child cannot be accidentally scalded during a seizure.)
- Swimming or biking alone are not good ideas for kids with epilepsy (although they can certainly enjoy these activities with other people). A responsible adult within arm's reach is recommended during swimming for kids with epilepsy. A helmet is required during bicycling, as it is for everyone.
With these simple safety precautions, your child should be able to play, participate in sports or other activities, and generally do what other kids like to do. State driving laws vary, but teens with epilepsy will probably be able to drive with some restrictions, as long as the seizures are controlled.
It's important to make sure that other adults who care for your child – family members, babysitters, teachers, coaches, etc. – know that your child has epilepsy, understand the condition, and know what to do in the event of a seizure. Please talk to your neurology team as we work with caregivers to help you ensure that your child is getting care that is consistent with your treatment plan.
Offer your child plenty of support, discuss epilepsy openly, and answer questions honestly. Kids with epilepsy might be embarrassed about the seizures or worry about having one at school or with friends.
Unfortunately, many kids with epilepsy have other neurological problems. In particular, learning and behavioral problems are common and can create more hardship for a child than the epilepsy itself. In some cases, the medication's side effects can make these problems worse. When these services are needed, your child's treatment team will include some or all of the following:
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Neuropsychologist
- Audiology and speech therapist
- Child Life specialist
- Social worker
Parents caring for a child with epilepsy also might benefit from the support of our specialists such as neuropsychologists, Child Life specialists, social workers, or specialized educators.
If your child has a more severe form of epilepsy, this help is critical. Our specialty team is very experienced in the challenges of epilepsy and can help you with coping skill now and with planning for the future (transition services) by identifying social, financial, and other community resources that will improve your child's well-being.