Living With Epilepsy
Most kids with epilepsy live full, active lives
Most children with epilepsy live full, active lives. Like most kids, they go to school, play sports, forget to do their chores and complain about bedtime. But unlike most of their friends, children with epilepsy usually have to take medicine every day, visit a doctor regularly, and worry about seizures. How much they have to worry, and how much epilepsy affects their lives, is different for each child. It depends upon what kind of seizures the child has, how the child responds to treatment, and what support and resources the family has.
The more you and your child can learn about epilepsy and the more you can teach your family about it, the better. It will help you know what to expect, where you can go for help, and what rights your child has to medical care, educational support and other services. Epilepsy may always be part of your child's life. But understanding the condition and knowing about the many resources there are to support people with epilepsy will help your child live as happy and fulfilling a life as possible.
Profiles
Nearly 3 million people in the United States have epilepsy. They include Olympic athletes and pro football players, musicians and writers, teenagers and infants. Many are doing extraordinary things. Even more important, most are doing ordinary things — going to school, working, enjoying their friends and family. Read and listen to their stories. Share them with your child. Let them inspire you to see all that is possible with epilepsy.
Read, Watch & Listen
In My Own Words — EpilepsyUSA columns by kids and parents; For information on writing and submitting a column, e-mail editor@efa.org
Winning — Epilepsy hasn't stopped these remarkable athletes
Shared Stories — videos and stories by teens and parents
Partnering with Parents — A four-minute video featuring participants in the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality's AACYE (Awareness and Access to Care for Children and Youth with Epilepsy)
The World of Epilepsy — interviews with people living with the condition and medical experts
Podcasts — A TV star, DJ, pro-athlete and others talk about growing up with or raising children with epilepsy
