scared - Epilepsy Message Board

Seeker78 · 04-01-2006, 08:17 PM

is there anyone here who is afraid of what would happen if they had a baby. Like if it would make yours worse, or the possiblity of passing it to them.

neurowreck · 04-01-2006, 09:13 PM

If your sort of seizures are not genetic, there's zippo chance of giving them to your child. Most sorts of seizures are never really identified as to why they happen. Trauma is common- so no genetic component there. If you have a syndrome that includes seizures, you can be tested to see what the odds are of passing it on- and isn't it better to be alive with E than not exist at all?

We all go through periods when we wonder if it's worth it, but with the meds and surgeries available now, there's a lot more that can be done.

Seeker78 · 04-03-2006, 04:36 PM

thanks, i've been wondering that for awhile and It's been a year since i've went to go see my dr or neuro, so I didn't know.

Travis from MN · 04-03-2006, 04:43 PM

I've thought a lot about that. My seizures are not genetic, but what caused them, neurofibromatosis, is in my case.

I can run that argument back and forth looking at what I went through in my younger years and asking if I would want a child to have that, or possibly worse for social treatment. For medical side it's totally random the severity of NF. My case I had a brain tumor at age 5 (thats what started my seizures).

so yes, I would worry if I ever were to be married and father a child.

--Travis

Eilidh1 · 04-05-2006, 04:55 PM

Hi Seeker

If you have seizures and you're thinking about having a baby it's important that you go to your doc/neuro to get their advice. There is a lot to think about, but always remember that the large majority of women who have seizures give birth to healthy babies. And neurowreck's comment about it being better to be alive and have epilepsy than not being alive at all is really important. But if you do decide to try for a baby it's important to consider what drugs you take. Some drugs have better reputations than others for healthy babies. You'll find LOADS of information about this on the boards, but if you have ANY queries, don't be afraid to ask.

Good luck,
Eilidh
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