Epilepsy

Epilepsy

What is epilepsy

Another reason for your child's fits is that she may have epilepsy. There are two forms of this disease: petit mal and grand mal.

In the case of petit mal, your child will not do anything as dramatic as falling to the floor in a dead faint. She will merely become pale and have a vacant expression on her face. She will appear to blank out for a few minutes. She will snap out of it on her own, carrying on as if nothing had happened.

In the case of grand mal, your child will display the same symptoms as those displayed in febrile convulsions.

What do I do if my child has epilepsy

The doctor will recommend that your child have a electroencephalogram (EEG) to confirm the epilepsy diagnosis. When your child has a fit, deal with it in the same way as you would febrile convulsions.

Psychologically, it would be better for the child if you did not treat her as an "epileptic." Make her feel that her fits are unconnected happenings, not a disease.

To be on the safe side, leave the bathroom door open so you can keep an eye on her for possible attacks while she is bathing. Also, be extra alert when your child goes swimming or sailing.

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