Parental Reaction to the Diagnosis of their Child with Febrile Seizures

Seizures is widely considered a stigmatized condition. Anyway parents frequently will get familiarized with the situation as time passes by, and the support granted to them plays a very important part. Due to excessive fear and the preoccupation that accompanies the seizures, relatives will often require particular support and information. World wide web (internet) and brochures will have their role as well toward offering information and educating the families of patients suffering from epilepsy. Aim To understand how parents are informed about Febrile Seizure, to be supported better, to know them better and avoid the feeling of fear and stigma that can cause this problem. Materials & Methods The study was conducted during the period from June 2009 to July November 2011. We analyzed 106 children with diagnosis Complex Febrile seizures. Children with Simple Febrile Seizure were excluded from the study. Were interviewed parents of these children and analyzed their way of reacting to the recognition that the diagnosis of the child, the response to treatment side effects and resources from which they receive information. Results 83 % of parents feel bad because their child was with Febrile Seizures.40 % of parents feel shocked when presented to diagnosis, 35 % feel sad, 15 % were neutral, 6 % feel relieved.4 % no idea. Parents understand the diagnosis in different ways.20 % of parent feel calm, 22 % fear, 38 %unsure, 18 % adopted, 2 % without hope.80 % of parents were concerned about adverse effects before the start of treatment with antiepileptic drug.82 % feels good with correct diagnosing and treatment. Sources of information and support regarding this disease for parents include Internet 39 %, medical staff 41 %, leaflets 7 %, and various support group3 %, nothing 10 %.40 % of parents had been informed about the management of convulsive seizures, 60 % had no information.45 % of children they had at least one parent with a university education, 55 % of children had parents low and middle degree of education. Conclusion Fear and anxiety are feelings to often experienced by parents of children with Febrile Seizures. Seizures are still widely viewed as a stigmatized condition as is underlined by negative initial reaction of parents who often are adopted over time because the support that was given. Because of the excessive fear and concern that is accompanying this diagnosis, families seeking a high level of information and support. Internet and leaflets play a key role in supplying information and education of their families.