Introduction: To assess parental perspectives of the impact of epilepsy and seizures on siblings of children in the Seizures and Outcomes Study. Methods: Parents completed surveys about their child with epilepsy, their own health and well-being, and the impact of epilepsy on unaffected siblings. Results: The most common parental responses about the sibling were witnessing a seizure, protectiveness of the child with epilepsy, worry about seizures, belief that seizures cause pain, and pride toward the child with epilepsy. Embarrassment and keeping epilepsy a secret were rare. Parent reports supported that siblings that worried were more likely to have witnessed a seizure, feel sad or angry, think seizures cause pain, and have a parent with anxiety disorder. Discussion: Some siblings of children with epilepsy are at risk for psychosocial problems. Primary and specialty care providers are well positioned to identify and monitor these children through evaluations and referrals as necessary.
Parental perspectives of the impact of epilepsy and seizures on siblings of children with epilepsy
Kroner, B. L., Ardini, M-A., Bumbut, A., & Gaillard, W. D. (2018). Parental perspectives of the impact of epilepsy and seizures on siblings of children with epilepsy. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 32(4), 348-355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2017.12.004
Abstract
Publications Info
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.
Meet the Experts
View All ExpertsRecent Publications
Article
Multifaceted risk for non-suicidal self-injury only versus suicide attempt in a population-based cohort of adults
Article
Long-term effects of a diet supplement containing Cannabis sativa oil and Boswellia serrata in dogs with osteoarthritis following physiotherapy treatments
Article
Use of a web-based portal to return normal individual research results in Early Check
Article