The lurid history and the common myths surrounding epilepsy can make it hard for all involved to adjust to a fresh diagnosis. I was extremely frightened when my son was diagnosed. However, there is more to it than the medical concerns.
Epilepsy carries a heavy emotional burden.
It is very hard to watch a loved one seizing. I've told my best friend that I actually felt like I was watching my son die. Somehow, I thought that I could will his seizure away. My son is nine now and he still sleeps in my bed. I know that it's probably not healthy for either of us, but since all of his seizures have occurred during his sleep, I'm afraid to put him in another room.