Has Your Child Been Diagnosed With Epilepsy? How To Keep Them Safe At Home, At School, Or At Play

If your child has epilepsy, protecting them requires active involvement from everyone in the family. Not only that, but it also requires open communication between you, your child's medical team, and the school they attend. This is particularly important if your child's seizures aren't under control yet. Your child's medical team will be working to bring the seizures under control, but it will be up to you to make sure that they're safe at home, at play, and at school. Here are four steps you'll need to take to help protect your child.

Keep Your Child's School Up-to-Date

If your child is in school, it's crucial that you keep their school up-to-date on their medical condition. This includes alerting the school staff to any changes, such as medication, the frequency of seizures, or potential triggers – those things that can bring on a seizure. Knowing this information will ensure that teachers, staff, and administrators know how to care for your child in case of a medical emergency.

Provide Your Child with Precautionary Tools

Now that your child will be heading out on activities that might not involve you, it's important that you provide them with the necessary precautionary tools. This tools will help protect your child, and will allow others to get help for your child, should the need arise. One thing that your child should have is a medical identification bracelet. These bracelets let others know that your child suffers from epilepsy. They will also provide emergency contact information, which will ensure that you receive notification in an emergency. It's also important that your child has a cell phone with them at all times. Their phone should have your phone number in an easily identifiable format. For instance, saving your number as ICE – in case of emergency – will allow emergency workers to identify you right away.

Take Safety Measures in the House

If your child has epilepsy, you'll need to take safety measures in the house to protect your child. The first thing you should do is make the bathroom more accessible. You can do this by installing the door so that it opens outwards instead of inwards. This will ensure that you can get the door open should your child have a seizure in the bathroom, and fall to the ground in front of the door. You should also place padding on furniture with sharp edges, and remove any glass tables that you have in the home.

Have Extra Medication on Hand for Emergencies

If your child takes medication as part of their brain condition treatment plan, it's essential that you always have an extra supply on hand. You never know when an emergency is going to arise. Having an extra supply of medication will ensure that your child receives the proper dosage, even if you can't get a hold of their doctor.