Managing an epilepsy diagnosis
This information is intended to support the information provided by your child’s doctor and healthcare team. If you are experiencing difficulties with any of the issues raised, please refer to your child's healthcare team for further assistance.
Children always bring surprises into the lives of their parents and families. Children with epilepsy may bring additional challenges. Being told your child has epilepsy can trigger a range of emotional responses in parents.
- For some, it will be a traumatic and overwhelming experience that may challenge the way parents feel about the world and their sense of security.
- For others, it will be a difficult event but one that does not overwhelm them.
- Although parents can respond in different ways, the diagnosis of epilepsy is often unexpected and can be challenging for the whole family.
Remember that for most children diagnosed with epilepsy, their seizures will be controlled by medication and they will have a normal life with minimal restrictions for safety. For some children, there will be additional care requirements.
Whatever the circumstances, your child is still a whole person with all the complexities of being human.