If you are ever feeling lost, remember these 4 things to get your mind back on track:

• 1

  Partner with their doctor in treatment decisions

  • It is important that you feel involved in choosing the right treatment
  • The information you write down and share can be useful when making decisions about your loved one’s treatment
  • Ask questions to understand the benefits and side effects of epilepsy medications or other treatments
• 2

  Look out for the well-being of your loved one

  • When patients are diagnosed they often feel angry, frustrated, or depressed, and they are likely to need a lot of your support to process this news
  • Mood changes may be a side effect of seizure medication; be patient and encourage them to talk about their feelings. Counseling may also help
  • Talk with their doctor if something about their emotions doesn’t seem right; the doctor may change the amount or type of medication
• 3

  Get involved

  • Help them get involved in community activities, physical fitness, or sports that are safe for those with epilepsy (tennis, volleyball, jogging, basketball, hiking, and golfing are good)
  • Encourage them to try things like at-home workouts or yoga classes, and to avoid sports that can be risky for those with epilepsy (soccer, hockey, karate, martial arts, football)
  • Sports that are more dangerous for those with epilepsy include rock climbing, scuba diving, and parachuting
  • Check with your doctor before trying a new sport or exercise
• 4

  Work together as a team

  • Talk to your loved one about any concerns you have with their mental or physical health
  • Honesty is really important for good caregiver-patient and patient-doctor relationships
  • Encourage them to talk with an epilepsy specialist if their doctor is unable to answer their questions

Share these articles with your loved one to help support your role: