For teenagers
Epilepsy is a condition that affects about 60 000 young people under the age of 18 (enough to fill Arsenal stadium). Getting a diagnosis may not be simple, because there are many kinds of seizures and other conditions need to be ruled out.
A good eye witness account is essential to identify the type of seizures someone has. Doctors will also want to know if there is anything that might bring on a seizure (these are called triggers). Some tests such as an EEG and MRI scans can also be useful.
Once the doctors are sure it is epilepsy they usually use antiepileptic drugs which can be taken every day at home. For some people surgery or a special diet might treat epilepsy but this is rare.
Telling people about epilepsy can be quite hard, but it’s important so they know what to do. School will also need to know so that they can work out the best way of looking after someone in the classroom and on trips.
Parents always worry. The best way to help them is to find out as much as possible about epilepsy, how other people deal with it, and what do they do about things like travel, going out, working, relationships, driving. This way parents can see it’s all under control. Brothers and sisters can also be helpful, and the more they understand the more helpful they are likely to be.
A good way to find out how other people cope is by using a forum online. Other people always have ideas (some good, some bad) about how to sort things out. Forums can also be a be a good way of getting support from other people a who have similar problems. This can be very useful if anyone is feeling a bit down or depressed - but the best way of avoiding feeling low is to have good friends, go out and keep active.
Every teenager goes through changes. Finding out about them makes them a lot easier. Collect as much information as possible and challenges like relationships, changing doctors, driving and work and college will be much easier – and more enjoyable!
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