It’s important to remember that there are many resources for support that can help your loved one—and take some of the burden from you.
If you are caring for a spouse, relative, or another adult with a seizure disorder, you may find your relationship with that person changing over time. Frequent seizures and medication side effects can dramatically impact daily life—interfering with work, causing problems at school, and putting strain on personal relationships.
It may be an extra challenge for you to support someone who is deeply upset over the loss of control and the ability to lead an independent life. Ask the person you care for what he or she needs most from you and from therapy. Keep in mind that you are both adjusting to major changes.
If you have an adolescent with a seizure disorder, you probably have special concerns about how the condition will affect his or her education, social interactions, and overall future. For example, adolescents have been known to experience additional side effects from medications that result in unexpected behavioral problems.
Use the Live Life Fully diary you received in your VNS Therapy™ information kit to help your loved one keep notes on how he or she feels, both physically and emotionally. Consider things like energy level, alertness, ability to concentrate, and general outlook on life. This diary can help the healthcare team recognize patterns that may lead to an adjustment of medication or another type of therapy.
For more support in your role as a caregiver, you may want to join the AVENUES program, a free service for patients, implanted patients, and caregivers seeking information about VNS Therapy.
Learn more about all the services available to you through AVENUES. Click here to join online, or call 1-888-VNS-STIM (1-888-867-7846).