Petit Mal and medication - Epilepsy Message Board

Picali · 05-01-2008, 09:03 AM

Hi all,

New to this board and looking for a little friendly advice! I've just been advised by our doctor that she thinks my son is experiencing petit mal's, which I believe are also called absent seizures? She's referred us to a specialist and I've done a little reading this afternoon and it seems that this isn't a terrible problem and that it tends to sort itself out by adulthood, which I am relieved about!

My question is with regard to medication - if medication isn't used, is there a tendancy for these to get worse and more serious? My little boy has special needs and I home school him, so we can work around these abscences if their only impact is to cause lapses in concentration. Would really appreciate any feedback from someone experienced in these things - I just like to know what I'm doing when i meet with docs!!

Thanks in advance for any responses

Canada eh · 05-01-2008, 10:41 AM

My 11 yr old daughter also has absense seizures (She used to have grand mal seizures a few years ago,and was seizure free for 2 years and medication free for 1 year).
It took us a while to take her to the dr, because it is sometimes hard to tell if she was daydreaming or having seizures. For my daughter, they did seem to get worse (more frequent and longer spells) We have been trying for 6 months to get the right medication dosage / combo to control them, and she is still having them!
We decided it was best to try to control these seizures. She would "space out" for what seemed like only a few seconds, but we were concerned that something could happen during those few seconds that could be harmful for her. I have seen her have them while holding a knife and cutting her food, or while pushing a friend on a swing.
I'm sure your Dr. will be able to recommend a good course of treatment. Hope everything works out well for you and your son.

Picali · 05-02-2008, 06:30 AM

Canada, thanks so much for your reply - it's always very reassuring to speak to other parents who've actually experienced the same things. Thanks for the feedback, it has helped to calm me down a little!