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Asking questions, talking and learning about epilepsy are among the most important things you can do to help your child.

FAQs

The Basics

More than 3 million Americans are affected by epilepsy. Everyone should have a basic idea of what it is and what to do if someone has a seizure. Here’s a short overview of the basics.


Epilepsy

 

Treatment & First Aid


Raising Children with Epilepsy

 

 

Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures that can affect mental and physical functions. It is also called a seizure disorder. Many illnesses or severe injuries can affect the brain enough to produce a single seizure. When seizures continue to occur for unknown reasons or because of a problem that cannot be corrected, the condition is known as epilepsy. See About Epilepsy.

What is a seizure?

Seizures occur due to brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. Millions of tiny electrical charges pass between nerve cells in the brain and connect to all parts of the body. When someone has epilepsy, this normal pattern may occasionally be interrupted by short bursts of electrical energy that are much stronger than usual. This can cause muscle spasms or uncontrollable body movements, loss of consciousness or confusion. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures. Normal brain function cannot return until the electrical bursts stop. Seizures can occur in just one area of the brain (partial seizures) or may affect nerve cells throughout the brain (generalized seizures). Most last a few seconds or minutes. See Types of Seizures.

What causes epilepsy?

In about seven out of ten people with epilepsy, no cause can be found. This is called idiopathic epilepsy. "Idiopathic" is a Latin word meaning "of unknown cause." Among the rest of the people with epilepsy, the cause may be any one of a number of things that can make a difference in the way the brain works. For example, head injuries or lack of oxygen during birth may damage the delicate electrical system in the brain. Other causes include brain tumors, lead poisoning, problems in development of the brain before birth, and infections like meningitis or encephalitis. Epilepsy can run in families but it is not contagious – you cannot catch epilepsy from someone else and nobody can catch it from you. See Seizure Triggers & Causes.

How common is epilepsy?

Epilepsy affects people of all ages, all nations and all races. There are records of it since biblical times. There are 125,000 new cases each year in the United States, almost one-third in children. Three out of ten people will be diagnosed with epilepsy by the time they turn 75. See Epilepsy & Seizure Statistics.

 

Treatment & First Aid

Which doctors treat epilepsy?

In addition to their main doctor, usually a pediatrician, most children with epilepsy will at times need to see a doctor who specializes in epilepsy treatment, such as a neurologist, pediatric neurologist, neurosurgeon, epileptologist or a neuro-psychologist. Specialized care for people whose seizures are difficult to control is available in large medical centers, neurological clinics at university and other hospitals, and epilepsy centers. See Your Medical Team.

How is epilepsy treated?

Epilepsy is most often treated with medication. There are many seizure-preventing drugs (also known as antiepileptics or anticonvulsant drugs) available and it can sometimes take awhile to find the one that works best for each child. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions about when and how much medication to give your child. The medication won't work properly until it reaches a certain level in the body, and that level has to be maintained. The goal is to keep the blood level high enough to prevent seizures, but not so high that it causes excessive sleepiness or other unpleasant side effects. If medication doesn’t work, other options include surgery, a medical device or, for children, a very specialized, high-fat diet. See Treatment.

Will my child always need to take medication for epilepsy?

If a child does not have a seizure for a few years while taking medication, it may be possible to stop taking it. This is different for every child. A child should never stop taking medication unless it is recommended and closely supervised by a doctor. See Medication.

Are children with epilepsy more likely to have other medical issues?

Epilepsy seems to increase children’s chances of having a mood or learning disorder. Headaches, ulcers and other physical conditions are also more common. Such conditions that can occur along with epilepsy are called comorbidities. It is important for parents to know about possible comorbidities and talk to their doctors about any concerns. See Related Conditions.

What should I do or tell others to do if my child has a seizure?

The most important things to remember are:

  1. Stay calm. There is very little you can do when someone is having a seizure. Don’t try to stop any movements or tongue biting.
  2. Move anything that could hurt the person. Put a pillow or something soft under the person’s head. If you can, gently turn the person to one side to prevent choking.
  3. Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, the person has diabetes or is pregnant, or if the person is seriously hurt. If the person is not breathing after the seizure, have someone call 911 and begin artificial respiration or CPR.

See First Aid.

 

Raising Children with Epilepsy

This is all so new and frightening; how can I help my child get through it?

As a parent, there are many things you can do to support your child:

  • Learn as much as you can about epilepsy
  • Discuss epilepsy openly and honestly with your child
  • Avoid saying things that could make your child feel like a problem or burden
  • Be positive
  • Praise your child’s success
  • Encourage sports, hobbies and other interests
  • Help your child make friends
  • Work with your child to explain epilepsy to friends, relatives, teachers and others
  • Continue family activities and traditions
  • Make time for yourself without feeling guilty

See Just Diagnosed.

What should I tell teachers and friends?

Even though more than 3 million Americans are affected by epilepsy, most people still know little about it. Help others in your child’s life understand what epilepsy is and make sure they know what to do if your child has a seizure. This will not only help keep your child safe, but it will help your child feel more comfortable and do better at school, making friends and participating in activities. By talking openly and honestly about epilepsy, you can help decrease some of the stigma and fear about it. See Raising Awareness.

Will my child be able to live a normal life?

Most children with epilepsy live full, active lives that include school, friends, sports, and other activities. How much seizures, doctor visits and treatment interrupt a child’s life depends upon the kind of epilepsy, success of treatment and many other factors. Talk to your child’s doctor about what activities your child can do and encourage your child to participate. As your child grows, help your child to become more independent. Driving, college, career, marriage and raising a family are possible for the vast majority of people with epilepsy. See Living with Epilepsy.

How can I help my child accept this and not feel so "different"?

Where can I find help?

That’s one of the most important questions you can ask! Almost all parents of children with epilepsy recommend the same thing: “Build a support network. Do not try to do it alone!” Here are some great places to start:

You can also request specific information from the Epilepsy Resource Center stafff.

 

Click here for more frequently asked questions about epilepsy. You can also request specific information from the Epilepsy Resource Center staff.