Risks of having epilepsy

There is a small risk of injury or dying because of epilepsy. For example, a child could have a seizure in a dangerous place. Or the seizure itself may be the cause of death. In some cases, there’s no clear reason why someone with epilepsy has died. This is called sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Knowing about the risks means you can do things to keep the risks to a minimum. It’s a good idea to talk to your child’s doctor or epilepsy nurse about this.

• More information about SUDEP

Epilepsy and behaviour

Behaviour problems are common for most children at some stage. This is true whether or not they have epilepsy. Some children have behaviour problems as a result of their epilepsy or epilepsy medicines. But there is no such thing as an ‘epileptic personality’. If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour, speak to their teacher or special needs co-ordinator at school. You could also speak to their epilepsy doctor, epilepsy specialist nurse or health visitor, to see if they can help.

Bullying and teasing

Some children with epilepsy are picked on at school. This may be because they don’t have much confidence and don’t stand up for themselves. Signs that your child may be being bullied can include being nervous, having temper tantrums, being violent and playing truant.

If you are worried about your child being bullied, talk to their teacher. You can also get advice and support from:

• NSPCC helpline (Tel. 0808 800 50000; www.nspcc.org.uk)
• Kidscape helpline (Tel. 08451 205 204; http://www.kidscape.org.uk/)

Children can get advice and support from

• Childline (Tel. 0800 1111; www.childline.org.uk)