Children and young adults with epilepsy face an array of psychological, physical and social challenges, a new analysis reveals. Australian researchers reviewed 43 studies that included a total of more than 950 children, teens and young adults, and delved into their experiences with the seizure disorder. "Children with epilepsy feel vulnerable from a physical and a social perspective," said study author Deepak Gill. He is a pediatric neurologist who heads the Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Service at the Children's Hospital of Westmead, in New South Wales.
"One theme that came out was the loss of bodily control, and that the person during a seizure can feel physically overpowered, with worry that the seizures would lead to serious injury," Gill added. Those with epilepsy also reported feeling inferior and discriminated against. Some of the comments from the youth were heartbreaking. One child said, "It's like being in a nightmare really, and you can't really wake up or just do something." Another said, "I have people make fun of me a lot at school because I have to take medicine and go to the doctor."
Another study participant doesn't mention epilepsy in job interviews, as employers may have preconceived notions. Another told of friends who disappeared after learning of the condition, according to the report.
Other recent studies have found that children with epilepsy are more likely to have other conditions, such as digestive problems, headache and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Two U.S. doctors had different reactions to the findings. The findings rang true with Dr. Ian Miller, a pediatric neurologist and medical director of the comprehensive epilepsy program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. Dealing with the additional problems of epilepsy, such as the psychological aspects, he said, ''is one of the most neglected aspects of pediatric epilepsy, and is made worse by the difficulty parents have in getting insurance coverage for these services."
HealthDay