Seizures – 101

Never thought I would be attending this class… So here we are. We have had a full 72 hours seizure free. And just when I thought we were in the clear, the afternoon happened. This afternoon, while I was attempting the ritual of putting Pepper down for her nap, she had a seizure. This was disappointing, as I thought we might have turned a corner. Disappointing, but not surprising. That’s just the way it is. 

Recently, people have been asking me some questions about her diagnosis, and outlook. To answer these questions, I will spew what we know so far, which isn’t much. Pepper has had a couple EEGs showing seizure activity on her brain. This roughly translates to:  “Your daughter has epileptic activity on the brain, further investigation is necessary.” Further investigation has come in the form of an MRI. I thank God everyday that the MRI did not show anything abnormal. It was, “unremarkable”. So, you ask, what’s causing her seizures? We don’t know. She doesn’t have a fever, she doesn’t have a virus, she didn’t have a head injury, she wasn’t deprived of oxygen at birth, I didn’t have any complications while pregnant with her and she doesn’t have anything mysterious growing inside her brain. Thank God, by the way. What follows now are genetic tests to rule out a chromosomal abnormality, or evidence of some other deficiency. We are waiting for our follow-up appointment mid-October for the results of these tests. We have been warned that we still may not get answers. We have also been told that a lot of children have their seizures disappear just as mysteriously as they appeared. That’s it. Without explanation. Gone. One can hope… 

Another question I have been asked is, am I returning to work, and how will I be able to return to work with my baby this sick. Last entry I told you I didn’t sleep. The stress this decision is causing me is just another reason not to sleep. Pepper will soon be starting daycare in the same facility her brother has been attending since he was a year old. By soon, I mean, she transitions next week. Eeek! Under normal circumstances, this is stressful for a parent. I have to put my faith in a band of strangers that she will be monitored as efficiently as I have been doing. I could go on about all the things that cross my mind, the scenarios, the what if’s, but there is not enough space. Let’s just leave it at this: I’m not the only one attending seizures 101.