DARE to talk about epilepsy
As a teen, you're dealing with lots of issues - like dating or what your friends think about you. You may feel like you have to change who you are to fit in - just be part of a group. You don't want to stand out or be different because you have epilepsy. But epilepsy doesn't define who you are - it's just one of many special things about you. Differences make the world an interesting place!
Who? And when?
Whom do you want to tell ? When's the best time? The people who care most about you and whom you see more often will want to know about your epilepsy - family, friends, roommates, neighbours, and co-workers are great sources of support.
Ask these questions when you're trying to decide:
- Who loves me and wants me to live the best possible life?
- Whom do I see most often?
- Who will notice changes that signal the start of my seizures or a reaction to my medication?
- Who can help me with small chores or errands that may not be safe for me to do by myself?
- Who can I rely on in an emergency to get help, check my medication record, and contact my family and doctor?
- Who can I trust with a key to my home to come and check on me?
- Who can I count on to drive me to my doctor's office or emergency?
Dating
When it comes to dating, everyone gets nervous. The more comfortable you feel about yourself, the more comfortable others will feel with you. You're the only one who can decide when the time is right to talk about epilepsy. If you have frequent seizures, you may wish to tell your girlfriend or boyfriend about epilepsy early in your relationship. If you do, they'll know what's happening and how to help when you have a seizure.
Certain people - your teachers and swimming instructors - should ALWAYS know about your epilepsy. By DARING TO TALK about epilepsy, you can help people to understand it and teach them how to help you to stay safe during a seizure.
If you have a seizure, your friends can make sure you're safe by:
- Staying calm
- Moving things away from you
- Putting a pillow or cloth under your head
- Turning you on your side
- Loosening things around your neck
- Never putting anything in your mouth
- Not holding you
- Never leaving you alone
My parents are driving me crazy!
Got overprotective parents? All parents just want the best for their children, and some can be overprotective when their child has epilepsy. Ask your doctor or nurse to talk with your parents - together you can put together an activity plan that won't place you in danger. Assure your parents that you'll take extra precautions to keep safe when doing sports or when going out with friends.
What you need to know about sex
You & your period
Catamenial epilepsy occurs when seizures increase around the time of menstruation. Keep a record of when your seizures occur during your menstrual cycle, for many months, to find out if you've got catamenial epilepsy.
HORMONES and seizures
- Estrogen may excite brain cells, increasing the risk of seizures.
- Progesterone has the opposite effect
Birth control...
If you're sexually active but not ready to start a family, ask your doctor or nurse about birth control. Some antiepileptic drugs can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. If that's the case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger birth control pill or suggest a different contraceptive method, e.g., a diaphragm, spermicidal cream or condoms.
...and pregnancy
Pregnancy should always be planned, and you should talk to your doctor before deciding to get pregnant. If planning a family, visit your doctor as soon as you hear the news. Don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's consent . If you do, you're taking a big risk. During pregnancy, more frequent seizures may cause serious damage to your health and the baby's.
It is recommended that all females of childbearing age take folic acid, and a higher dose is required if you take AEDs.
Epilepsy, drugs and birth defects
Most babies born to women with epilepsy are healthy. There is a small risk that epilepsy or the use of antiepileptic medication will affect the fetus. Talk to your doctor about these risks.
- Antiepileptic medication can increase the risk of serious birth defects
- Pregnant women with epilepsy have a 4-6% risk of having a child with birth defects.
- The risk increases if you're taking more than one type of antiepileptic medication.
Your sexual health
For women only
If your seizures start in the temporal lobes, you're more likely to have reproductive disorders. The temporal lobes are closely linked to areas of the brain that regulate hormones. Common types of reproductive disorders are:
- Polycystic ovaries (many cysts on the ovaries)
- Early menopause
- Irregular or no ovulation
Sexual dysfunction
Not interested? No sex drive? Trouble during sex? Hey, it's a common problem for men and women - not just people with epilepsy. Your medication may directly affect regions of the brain that control sexuality or reproductive hormones.
Psychological causes
Some teens fear that sex will spark a seizure, especially if seizures are triggered by hyperventilation or physical activity.
Are you afraid that your partner will find out about your epilepsy during sex and reject you?
Stress can cause sexual problems.
Is there a link between promiscuity - too much sexual activity at a young age - and the need to feel accepted because of your epilepsy? If so, you need to do some serious thinking about your sexual behaviour.