Epilepsy - what to ask your doctor - child
Definition
Your child has epilepsy. People with epilepsy have seizures. A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical activity in your brain. It leads to brief unconsciousness and uncontrollable body movements.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of your child's epilepsy.
Alternate Names
What to ask your doctor about epilepsy - child; Seizures - what to ask your doctor - child
Questions
What safety measures do I need to take at home to keep my child safe during a seizure?
What should I discuss with my child's teachers about epilepsy?
Are there any sports activities that my child should not do? Does my child need to wear a helmet for any type of activities?
Does my child need to wear a medical alert bracelet?
What do we need to know about my child's seizure medicines?
What medicines does my child take? What are the side effects?
Can my child take antibiotics or other medicines also? How about acetaminophen (Tylenol), vitamins, or herbal remedies?
How should I store the seizure medicines?
What happens if my child misses one or more doses?
Can my child ever stop taking a seizure medicine if there are side effects?
How often does my child need to see the doctor? When does my child need blood tests?
Will I always be able to tell my child is having a seizure?
What are the signs that my child's epilepsy is becoming worse?
What should I do when my child is having a seizure?
Review Date: 1/23/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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