Choosing the best epilepsy support group depends on the extent of the condition, age of patient, and type of epilepsy. Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is commonly diagnosed in children. When children have epilepsy, choosing a support group will depend on the parents or guardian of the child. In addition, if the child suffers a seizure, and is hospitalized, the hospital personnel may connect the patient and his family with a hospital-based epilepsy support group.
When children first begin participation in an epilepsy support group, they may feel uncomfortable and awkward. As they realize that there are many others who share the same condition, however, they might begin to feel more in control and confident. Typically, support groups for children with epilepsy allow them to vent and socialize, which takes the focus off the condition, and places it on improving their emotional well-being.
Not only is the epilepsy support group an asset for the child with a seizure disorder, it can be a valuable resource for the adult with epilepsy. Frequently, when epilepsy is diagnosed in the adult, his driving privileges are taken away. This can have a significant impact on his life, and by sharing his driving concerns with others in a support group environment, he might feel more in control of the situation. Frequently, revocation of driving privileges in the patient with seizure disorder is a common concern of those in epilepsy support groups, and by sharing his feelings, the patient may not feel as hopeless.
Sometimes, an epilepsy support group is characterized by the patient demographic. While many support groups welcome epilepsy patients of all ages, and of all levels of disease, some are specific to children, parents, and caregivers of epileptic patients and adults. In addition, an epilepsy support group may be determined by the type of epilepsy the patient has, such as an epilepsy support group for those who have sustained head injuries. In addition, there are support groups for those who were diagnosed with the condition after having a viral infection.
If a person living with epilepsy cannot leave his home to attend an outside epilepsy support group, he can seek help online. A number of reputable websites offer help to those suffering from epilepsy. These websites can be a great resource for epileptic patients who cannot get out due to driving or medical restrictions, or for those who are hesitant about attending an outside support group.