I'm scared to death of my child's seizures!

My child's doctor can not seem to tell me if my son is epileptic. He
has had just one seizure, an abnormal EEG, and a good C-scan. The
doctor prescribed medicine for 2 years for him, he is now 10. If this
really seems to be a one time thing like they seem to think it is, why
put this child on medication for 2 long years. Of course I do want
the best for my child, so we will do what the doctor suggests, but I
would appreciate any responses to this situation.
It was a very terrifying thing to see a child go through.

"Patty" wrote in message
om...
My child's doctor can not seem to tell me if my son is epileptic. He
has had just one seizure, an abnormal EEG, and a good C-scan. The
doctor prescribed medicine for 2 years for him, he is now 10. If this
really seems to be a one time thing like they seem to think it is, why
put this child on medication for 2 long years. Of course I do want
the best for my child, so we will do what the doctor suggests, but I
would appreciate any responses to this situation.
It was a very terrifying thing to see a child go through.

Why don't you ask your child's doctor? I'm sure he would explain why your
DS should still be on the medication or maybe reevaluate and take him off of
it.

Patty wrote:
My child's doctor can not seem to tell me if my son is epileptic. He
has had just one seizure, an abnormal EEG, and a good C-scan. The
doctor prescribed medicine for 2 years for him, he is now 10. If this
really seems to be a one time thing like they seem to think it is, why
put this child on medication for 2 long years. Of course I do want
the best for my child, so we will do what the doctor suggests, but I
would appreciate any responses to this situation.
It was a very terrifying thing to see a child go through.

I can fully imagine. If you are not satisfied with your doctor's
decision, please try to get a second opinion from an expert in
the field. Doctors don't always have the answers, and I fully
agree with your opinion that 2 years of medicine for just one
seizure of unclear origin is overkill.

--
-- I
mommy to DS (16m)
guardian of DH (32)
TTC #2
War doesn't decide who's right, only who's left

Hi -

If your child is on a 2-year regimen of medication, then he should have
been seen my a pediatric neurologist, not just your regular ped. If
that's NOT the case, then absolutely go in to see a specialist. The
medication may well be fully justified, but you need to be confident
about that.

If your child DID see a neurologist, then all you need is more detailed
information about the why's and wherefore's of this medication. As the
parent, you have a right to fully understand what's going on, what the
reasons and tradeoffs are, and your neurologist should be perfectly
happy to give you this information.

--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.

Patty wrote:

My child's doctor can not seem to tell me if my son is epileptic. He
has had just one seizure, an abnormal EEG, and a good C-scan. The
doctor prescribed medicine for 2 years for him, he is now 10. If this
really seems to be a one time thing like they seem to think it is, why
put this child on medication for 2 long years. Of course I do want
the best for my child, so we will do what the doctor suggests, but I
would appreciate any responses to this situation.
It was a very terrifying thing to see a child go through.


Hmmm...I would get a second opinion. Is this a pediatric neurologist?
A friend's son also suffered a single seizure and I thought they needed
to re-evaluate every 3 or 6 months for the first year. He did end up on
medication for at least 2 years, but that wasn't determined at the
outset.

I also suffered from seizure disorder as a child - it was a bit more
serious than your son's. I remember going back to the hospital a lot -
presumably for check-ups and follow-ups. Every year I had an EEG and as
long as it was abnormal they continued to prescribe medication, but only
a year's worth.

Jeanne