Community Forum Archive
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Autism and Epilepsy
Tue, 01/21/2020 - 12:42Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Hi my son has autism and severe learning difficulties. He developed epilepsy tonic/clonic seizures 6 years ago as a teenager. He only has about 5 seizures a year and no medication but they always seem to be triggered by an oncoming illness like a virus /cold/gastric illness not necessarily with a raised temperature. I cannot find anything written that says these can be triggers. Does anyone else experience this and can suggest a written article about this subject
Hi, Thank you for posting. A
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2020-01-22 - 08:52
Hi, Thank you for posting. A common trigger for seizures in some people with epilepsy is being sick with some type of acute illness or infection. The seizures could be triggered by the physical stress of being sick, having a fever, or getting dehydrated if not eating or drinking well. Often people may also not sleep well when they are sick, adding another possible trigger, due to lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep. To learn more about triggers, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizuresIt's important that you all are addressing this concern with his healthcare team and if he experiences any changes in seizure types/frequency, moods, behaviors or symptoms to help determine what individual treatment plan is best for him. There are many things individuals living with epilepsy and their family members can to do help to lessen the risks of seizures when they’re sick. Keeping a journal or diary may be helpful to identify and track triggers that may occur, including getting sick. My Seizure Diary, is a great tool to for recognizing and tracking seizures & triggers, setting reminders, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, side effects, and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with his healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryFor additional information on lessen risks of seizure while sick, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/illness-and-over-counter-otc-medicinesIt’s common for those who are in caregiver role to feel overwhelmed, but it is just as important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well.https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers It can be helpful to connect with other parents who may have similar experiences, to ask questions, find &give support to each other, by visiting: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers/parents-helping-parents Or contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline