Being a teenager comes with its own set of challenges, but being a teenager with epilepsy, raises even more questions and anxiety, such as explaining seizure to their friends, concerns about playing sports and driving, or not knowing when the next seizure will occur.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions concerning teens with epilepsy.
Epilepsy and Driving
Should parents allow and encourage their teen son or daughter to obtain their driver’s license?
Dr. Ajay Gupta, Pediatric Epilepsy Specialist: Driving means independence, and ability to have a better quality of academic, social and occupational life. Driving should not only be encouraged, but should always be a goal, whenever possible, after considering all aspects of every teenager's condition. Parents should discuss this with the physician as the child is approaching the drivable age in the state he or she lives to give the best opportunity to plan ahead.
Are there any restrictions or other concerns that should be raised about driving?
Dr. Ajay Gupta, Pediatric Epilepsy Specialist: While seizure control is critical for teenager's ability to drive, it is not the only factor in evaluation for driving. Compliance, supervision, and tolerance to antiepileptic medications are important. Any physical, intellectual, behavioral and maturity issues must be taken into account. Laws of each state vary, and meeting the state guidelines and driving standards is another consideration. Value of ongoing follow up and close supervision under a physician is paramount to maintain one's ability to drive and proactively make medication adjustments. Most teenagers with well controlled epilepsy are likely to be able to drive if they can demonstrate compliance to medications.
Epilepsy and Dating
Should teens tell their dates that they have epilepsy?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: Yes, it is important to keep an open line of communication, in case the patient has a seizure during the date, and talk about the basics (A-B-C) on what to do when you have a seizure.
How should the first conversation (about having epilepsy) be carried?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: The first discussion should be very informative and it should include; the facts of epilepsy, people are able to cope with situations better when they know what to expect, so is always easy to discuss all the epilepsy facts to help increase awareness and de-stigmatize this disorder.
Are there any special concerns for teenage girls with epilepsy?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: Teenage girls might experience changes in their seizure frequency around the time puberty starts, with some girls actually experiencing more seizures during or before or soon after their period.
Can teens with epilepsy have normal intimate relationships?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: Of course they can, just making sure their partner is aware about the epilepsy helps built encouragement and support in the relationship.
Epilepsy, Alcohol and Drugs
Are there any particular dangers of drugs and alcohol usage in teens with epilepsy?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: It is very dangerous for teenagers with epilepsy to experiment with drugs and alcohol, as these might decreased the seizure threshold and patient might increase the number and duration of the seizures. Also they put teenagers in very risky situation that could be very dangerous.
How do drugs and alcohol interfere with the antiepileptic medication?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: Drugs and Alcohol compete in the liver with the enzymes that metabolize the antiepileptic medication, therefore there is less amount of the necessary circulating antiepileptic medication which can cause an increase in the number of seizures.
Epilepsy, Work and College
Should teens with epilepsy work (part-time jobs)?
Dr. Ajay Gupta, Pediatric Epilepsy Specialist: The goal is always to have a good quality of life in social, occupational, and academic spheres. Independence and employment are important issues that mush be addressed considering all aspects of epilepsy that ‘specifically apply to each teenage child with epilepsy’. Teens are encouraged to work and drive whenever it is possible. Career choices, types of employment, compliance, follow up, driving, and drug side effects are some of the important factors one should consider while considering employment opportunities.
Are there any career limitations for teens with epilepsy? What opportunities exist for teenagers who have epilepsy as well as other developmental disabilities?
Dr. Ajay Gupta, Pediatric Epilepsy Specialist: A teen with well controlled epilepsy, who is compliant with treatment is eligible for most jobs. Certain jobs may have specific limitations for some diseases even if the symptoms are under control, and eligible teens should clarify this before hand. One example is, perhaps, fighter pilots. There are good books and web resources that one can explore to learn more on taking control of one’s epilepsy.
Epilepsy and Depression
How common is depression in teens with epilepsy?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: Depression is very frequent in teens with epilepsy, around 26%.
What are the symptoms of depression in teens with epilepsy?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: The symptoms of depression are; decreased sleep, decreased energy, increased guilt, irritability, increased anger, isolation from social activities and hobbies, hopelessness, helplessness, and in the severe cases suicidal ideation. Studies have reported that teenagers are particularly at risk for increased suicidal ideation especially those with epilepsy.
How is depression treated in teens with epilepsy?
Dr. Tatiana Falcone, Pediatric Epilepsy Psychologist: There are two choices; if the depression is mild or moderate psychotherapeutic intervention such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are very effective for the treatment of depression in teens, if the depression is moderate or severe the use of medications such as antidepressants are probably the treatment of choices. The most effective method to treat depression is the combination of the two, CBT and medication. Additionally, the parent’s role is very important, they have to recognize the pattern of behavior change and ask for help (consult to the child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist)
Epilepsy and Sleep
Is there any relationship between sleep deprivation and seizures? How much sleep should a teen with epilepsy get?
Dr. Ajay Gupta, Pediatric Epilepsy Specialist: This relationship is commonly observed by families, however, is not universal. Generally, sleep deprivation is one of the triggers among multiple other triggers that set the teenager up for more seizures. Other common triggers are fasting, dehydration, flu or other febrile illnesses, unmonitored over the counter or prescription medications, sedation for procedures, stress or physical exhaustion. Sleep hygiene makes sense for all teenagers with or without epilepsy. If a consistent relationship is observed between sleep and seizures, consistent sleep times and duration could help in seizure control. A healthy teenager must sleep for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night, and for sure, many may require 9-11 hours of sleep.
