There are many kinds of seizures and syndromes. Your doctor,
neurologist etc., will prescribe medication for you and it's usually a
trial and error, increase and decrease story. Commitment and routine is
part of the success when good control with the correct medication is
eventually found.
Certain seizures can be outgrown but medication should only be discontinued when given the OK by your doctor. This doesn't always work and medication is sometimes continued. There is always the possibility of "breakthrough seizures".
Medications are chosen for the type of seizures you are experiencing. Some control one type of seizure better than another. This is determined by your EEG and how the medication affects you. At your next appointment you need to let the doctor know how the meds controlled your seizures and if you had any side effects, did you feel strange or weird, so that the dosage can be adjusted.
Puberty is when you grow taller, weigh more, grow breasts and body hair. These physical changes happen quickly and dosages have to be adjusted for the new body size. During this time you'll experience frequent lab tests to check levels of meds in blood and make sure you have enough to keep you controlled.
WHAT GIRLS WANT TO KNOW
1. Do monthly periods increase seizure frequency?
Seizures are individualistic, what one person experiences are not typical for another person. It is not usual for a change in seizure pattern at the start of your period however some women have more seizures just before or at the start of their periods or around ovulation. There is no other explanation at present other than it seems to be hormonally related. I suggest you record your seizures if this is the case and report it at your next doctor's appointment.
2. Will my friends make fun of me?
Keeping secrets is always hard especially from your best friends and it's bound to come out at the most inopportune time. Who you disclose your epilepsy to is entirely your decision. You'll find that most people are going to be OK with it. It might help to chat to someone you trust for guidance to help you make the decision.
3. What if I have a seizure with my boyfriend?
Totally normal to worry about this one. Perhaps your parent, doctor or someone you trust could chat to him about what he could expect, so that he could help and support you if need be. He should be one of the people you include in everything, so that he's not left with unexpected surprises.
4. How can I get my parents to let me be more independent?
Parents are loving and only want wants best for you. You need to negotiate with them from the start. Let them know you will always make sure there is someone around who knows what to do if you have a seizure. Think through activities and if you're going eg. Swimming, don't go alone. Having epilepsy shouldn't restrict you in life you'll just have to take a few precautions. Your parents might have to talk to the doctor regarding these accommodations.
5. Everyone is doing drugs and alcohol. Why can't I indulge?
Drugs and alcohol can cause seizures and if you have epilepsy they may increase the risk of your having seizures. It can also react badly with your medication. Decisions are always our own to make but weigh the risks against doing because everyone else is doing them.
Lastly drugs are illegal and drinking alcohol underage is not good for anyone!!
Certain seizures can be outgrown but medication should only be discontinued when given the OK by your doctor. This doesn't always work and medication is sometimes continued. There is always the possibility of "breakthrough seizures".
Medications are chosen for the type of seizures you are experiencing. Some control one type of seizure better than another. This is determined by your EEG and how the medication affects you. At your next appointment you need to let the doctor know how the meds controlled your seizures and if you had any side effects, did you feel strange or weird, so that the dosage can be adjusted.
Puberty is when you grow taller, weigh more, grow breasts and body hair. These physical changes happen quickly and dosages have to be adjusted for the new body size. During this time you'll experience frequent lab tests to check levels of meds in blood and make sure you have enough to keep you controlled.
WHAT GIRLS WANT TO KNOW
1. Do monthly periods increase seizure frequency?
Seizures are individualistic, what one person experiences are not typical for another person. It is not usual for a change in seizure pattern at the start of your period however some women have more seizures just before or at the start of their periods or around ovulation. There is no other explanation at present other than it seems to be hormonally related. I suggest you record your seizures if this is the case and report it at your next doctor's appointment.
2. Will my friends make fun of me?
Keeping secrets is always hard especially from your best friends and it's bound to come out at the most inopportune time. Who you disclose your epilepsy to is entirely your decision. You'll find that most people are going to be OK with it. It might help to chat to someone you trust for guidance to help you make the decision.
3. What if I have a seizure with my boyfriend?
Totally normal to worry about this one. Perhaps your parent, doctor or someone you trust could chat to him about what he could expect, so that he could help and support you if need be. He should be one of the people you include in everything, so that he's not left with unexpected surprises.
4. How can I get my parents to let me be more independent?
Parents are loving and only want wants best for you. You need to negotiate with them from the start. Let them know you will always make sure there is someone around who knows what to do if you have a seizure. Think through activities and if you're going eg. Swimming, don't go alone. Having epilepsy shouldn't restrict you in life you'll just have to take a few precautions. Your parents might have to talk to the doctor regarding these accommodations.
5. Everyone is doing drugs and alcohol. Why can't I indulge?
Drugs and alcohol can cause seizures and if you have epilepsy they may increase the risk of your having seizures. It can also react badly with your medication. Decisions are always our own to make but weigh the risks against doing because everyone else is doing them.
Lastly drugs are illegal and drinking alcohol underage is not good for anyone!!
Let me know what your thoughts are or what your experiences have been.
Follow me Amanda Birkett or @crosshair08
Follow me Amanda Birkett or @crosshair08
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