With a treatment plan for managing and preventing seizures, you've got what it takes to help your child live better.
Seizures are different for everyone.
But the goal of a treatment plan is to help you recognize and avoid things that may make your child more likely to have a seizure.
These things may include a new medicine (even an over-the-counter medicine), a missed dose of prescribed medicine, lack of sleep, alcohol or drug use, stress, or not eating.
That's why a treatment plan most often covers triggers or warning signs, medicines, sleep, eating habits, and activity.
It also should include an action plan for what to do if a seizure happens and how to prevent an emergency.
So, let's start with medicines.
A medicine works when your child takes the right dose at the right time.
Even missing one dose can risk triggering a seizure.
Sleep is good for all children, but for your child, a lack of sleep can trigger a seizure.
Sleep also gives the brain time to grow and repair cells and rebuild energy.
Like sleep, activity is a part of healthy living, but for your family, it's about keeping your child safe.
Your doctor can tell you about activities that are safe for kids with seizure disorders.
If your child is on a special diet, you can help your child follow it.
And you can help make it easier by planning ahead and having the right ingredients on hand.
Even if you follow the treatment plan exactly, a seizure can still happen.
That's where the action plan comes in.
It describes what to do and who to call if your child has a seizure.
Share this plan with your child's school, camp, day care, teachers, counselors, and care providers, friends, or parents of friends.
And remember, you don't have to be the only one "in charge."
Encourage your child to be responsible for as much of the plan as possible.
This can give your child a sense of control and independence.
Before the seizures, you loved and cared for your child in countless ways.
And the treatment plan offers just a few more caring and loving ways that you can help when it comes to managing and preventing seizures.
