Our Communications Officer, David Coates, looks at five ways to help manage your child’s epilepsy and seizures.

Most children are initially more concerned about the impact epilepsy may have on their life when first diagnosed.

Provide reassurance and answer any of their questions as much as you can. Staying positive around your child can make your child more ready to talk about their diagnosis.

Have a look at some of our suggestions which can help manage your child’s epilepsy and seizures.

Keep a seizure diary

 A seizure diary can help you look for any pattern and will help you manage your child’s seizures.

Your child’s consultant or epilepsy specialist nurse will also appreciate a record of seizures to monitor medication’s effectiveness.

Give medication exactly as prescribed

Not taking anti-seizure medication exactly as prescribed can trigger a seizure.

Establish a daily routine by linking medication time with a regular task or set a reminder on a mobile phone or smart speaker.

Never reduce or stop your child’s medication unless advised by your child’s specialist or epilepsy specialist nurse.

Encourage your child to stay active

For most children, epilepsy is a small part of their life. Try not to wrap your child in cotton wool.

Encourage your child to continue with their usual routines. Risks associated with specific activities can often be reduced with some precautions.

Encourage your child to stay active. If seizures are well controlled, or seizure patterns are predictable, for example, swimming can be a relatively risk-free activity.

Use a swimming pool which is supervised by a qualified lifeguard who has been made aware of the child’s epilepsy.

If seizures are more frequent, an adult may need to be present in the pool who can keep the child’s head above water during a seizure.

Remain positive and supportive to help your child adjust to living with epilepsy.

Hormonal triggers

Occasionally, for some girls, their seizures can be more common around their monthly periods.

Keep a diary of seizure and period dates to look at a likely link and seek medical advice.

Prescribed ‘booster’ medication can help with an increase in seizures around these times.

Health triggers

For some children, seizures are more likely if they feel unwell or are running a temperature.

Always seek medical advice if you notice an increase in seizures due to feeling unwell.

For more information, on ways to help manage your child’s epilepsy and seizures, please read our parents guide by clicking here.