What should parents do if their child has epilepsy?

  The diagnosis of epilepsy can place a heavy psychological burden on the child with epilepsy and the parents, who are often reluctant to accept the reality or are sad, fearful, self-blaming or even pessimistic and disappointed. Parents also have many concerns, worrying about their child’s illness being known to outsiders, discrimination against their child, fear of not being cured, taking medication and fear of side effects, worrying about future sequelae, and worrying about their child’s education, employment, and choice of spouse, etc. These are all understandable.  First of all, parents should face the reality, understand epilepsy correctly, and learn more about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common and prevalent disease in childhood, and more than 80% of children with epilepsy can have their seizures completely controlled through regular professional treatment. Children with epilepsy can also have the opportunity to survive and develop a colorful life.  Parents should choose the right treatment for their children with epilepsy, see a pediatric neurologist at a regular hospital, take regular medication according to medical advice, review regularly, adjust treatment according to their condition, and not stop antiepileptic drugs without permission. Parents’ psychological treatment of pediatric epilepsy can affect the formal treatment and the child’s psychological condition. After the child is diagnosed with epilepsy, parents should promptly consult with the specialist about the causes of the child’s illness, countermeasures during seizures, the efficacy of drugs and possible adverse reactions, and other medical knowledge related to the child’s illness. Some parents seek medical advice in hopes of overturning the diagnosis or trusting prescriptions for side effects of medications, or keep changing doctors and medications for their children before observing the effects of medications, all of which can delay their child’s treatment.  Parents are the best psychological mentors for children with epilepsy, and children with epilepsy need more encouragement and support from their parents. Parents should strive to establish a peaceful state of mind as soon as possible and face reality with courage. It is extremely important for parents to establish a good mindset to help their children adhere to long-term formal treatment, rationalize their children’s daily lives, and scientifically deal with their children’s school and psychological problems.