The New Onset Seizure Program provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for children (above two years of age) who have recently begun having seizures. We usually are able to schedule a child’s first appointment within two weeks of the family’s initial phone call to our clinic.
Before the first visit, one of our nurses may contact you to gather information about your child’s medical history and request any past test results.
During your child’s first visit, the epileptologist (neurologist who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy) will provide a thorough physical exam and ask a lot of questions about the symptoms your child is experiencing. You and your child will meet other providers during this visit as well. A clinical psychologist may perform a screening that covers a wide variety of behavioral and emotional issues.
At the end of the appointment, the team will talk with your family about its findings, make treatment recommendations and answer your questions. Unless additional testing is needed, the treatment plan can begin as soon as your family is ready. The initial treatment plan typically involves medication management.
About one month after treatment begins, your child will come to the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center for a follow-up appointment. These take longer than a routine doctor’s appointment—typically one to two hours.
During the first year of treatment, your child will return to the clinic on a regular schedule, usually about four times a year. During every follow-up visit, your child will be seen by a nurse practitioner, who will focus on medical issues such as seizure control and medication side effects, and a clinical psychologist, who will focus on how your child is doing in areas such as mood, behavior and learning. They communicate frequently with our epileptologists, who are available to answer questions and provide guidance as needed.
Your child will undergo blood work at most follow-up visits. At some visits, the psychologist will provide a screening to help identify any problems that may need to be addressed.
Tracking seizures can be incredibly helpful for parents and caregivers alike, writes Avani Modi, PhD. Read her Review of Epilepsy and Seizure Tracking Apps.
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