Preventing Epilepsy Deaths: Clinician Toolkit
Pediatric Examples of Empowering Conversations

When your pediatric patient has high-risk seizures

If you want to be able to understand seizure patterns, consider suggesting a seizure diary

To protect your health, we have to understand when your child’s seizures happen. Many of my parents create a diary or use a seizure detection device to track theirs. What do you think about that?

That seems like a lot of work… I have two young kids and work full-time. And what would I need to write in a diary?

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, and time is limited. Some busy parents find seizure alert devices very easy to use. Can I show you a device that many of my parents find helpful?  I can also connect you with an organization that may be able to help you cover the cost of the device.

When you want to talk about rescue meds

Rescue medications can help us manage the most serious risks you/[child’s name] might face from seizures. Do you feel comfortable using yours?

Honestly, I don’t remember how to use it.  Isn’t regular medication enough?  I take different medications 3 times a day.

Rescue medications help with you[child’s name] has a serious seizure that isn’t controlled by the medication. I know I have given you a lot of information today that could be overwhelming to anyone. Many of my patients have told me reviewing the medications again can be very helpful in retaining the information. Can you share what you’ve heard so far about how you use [medication name]?  I will also include this information in a seizure action plan that can be shared with your family and school faculty explaining how to use the medication.