Three Common Problems That Parents Of Teenagers With Epilepsy Face And How To Deal With Them

Health & Medical Blog

Raising a teenager can be difficult, but when you have a teenager with epilepsy, you have additional problems to face. The normal things that make parents of teenagers worry constantly, such as whether their child is being safe while driving or if their child is drinking or taking drugs, are amplified for your family because these "normal" teenage issues could pose significant health risks for your child. But, knowing is half the battle. So, take some time to learn about these common problems and what to do about them.

Medication

It's common for teens to want to stop their seizure medication. This could happen for several reasons, including:

• Your teen doesn't want to be controlled by a drug
• She doesn't think that she needs the medication anymore
• Your teen doesn't like the side effects of her medication—this is especially true if the medication is affecting her physical appearance

Fortunately, there are a few options available for parents facing this situation, because the last thing you want to do is spend your days and nights wondering if your teen has taken her medication.

• Research alternative treatment for seizures to see if a natural remedy fits your child's needs. Some herbs, such as lily of the valley, mistletoe, and burning bush, are commonly used to treat epileptic seizures. Also, some states, like North Carolina, allow patients to take hemp oil to treat epilepsy.
• If your teen doesn't like some of the side effects of her medication, discuss other medications with her doctor.
• Talk to your teen. Remind her what life was like before she was on medication. Typically, teens have the desire to fit in, so the thought of having a seizure in public may be enough to keep her on her medication.

Dating

Your teenager may be hesitant to tell someone that she's dating about her condition. While the decision is ultimately hers to make, it's important to encourage her to be open and honest with anyone that she's seriously dating. This way, your teen's boyfriend or girlfriend doesn't become upset, frightened, or panicky during a seizure.

Driving

Some states allow people with epilepsy to get a driver's license if they are taking medication to control their seizures and they haven't had a seizure recently. So, the good news is, your teen doesn't having to miss out on this monumental event. However, it's important to talk to your teen about how her condition will affect her driver's license. In most cases, if someone has a seizure, they have to stop driving—which could discourage your teen from telling you about a seizure.

When it comes to your teen driving, you need a happy medium. Your teenager wants her freedom, and you don't want to worry constantly. So try allowing her to drive, as long as she's proving to you that she's responsible in other aspects of her life. And keep the lines of communication open by randomly asking her if she's had any seizures that you should know about.

Raising a teenager with epilepsy is stressful. Fortunately, by keeping your medication options open, considering alternative treatment for seizures, communicating with your teen, and encouraging her to talk about her condition, you can both survive the teenage years without too many struggles.

29 October 2014