by Ann Atwood

Created on: February 06, 2009

It was the summer of 1977 and my two sons were happily enjoying their freedom before returning to school in the fall. My younger son had been diagnosed with Hyperactivity Disorder (better known today as ADHD).

Sean had been having some "staring" occurrences and it seemed during those times that he was unable to speak or answer. so his pediatrician stated that he would like him to have an EEG. He went ahead and set up an appointment with a neurologist in a nearby town. We kept that appointment and the doctor examined him as well as having me fill out a questionnaire and got more information about Sean.

The doctor explained that yes indeed, he should have an EEG performed. This test would show any irregularities in Sean's brain. It was completely painless and Sean handled the process quite well. I met with the doctor after the examination had taken place. It was then explained that Sean was having Petite Mal seizures. He explained that this type of seizure disorder was quite mild and usually did not interfere with his school work or social interactions.He told me that the best thing to do for Sean was to place him on Dilantin, an anti seizure medication and set up the next appointment to see him.

I began to give Sean his medication as directed and he initially seemed to tolerate it well, but within a week I knew something was wrong.

First came a blinding migraine which he suffered from in the past, however, this was the worst one he had ever experienced. Next came the lethargy which was so unlike him. I called his pediatrician and was told to bring him so the doctor could examine him. When we got there the doctor took him right in and checked his temperature, blood pressure and did a blood test. He stated that he couldn't find anything wrong except he had a slightly elevated temperature and that perhaps he had a virus. I mentioned that he had seen the neurologist a short time ago and asked if the Dilantin could be causing the headache and the lethargy. He brushed that idea away and told me to bring him back if he wasn't getting any better. Mostly he just thought I was an over reactive mother and I shouldn't worry so much.

The following day, my son was worse. He still had the headache, had little red patches on his skin and the lethargy increased. I called the pediatrician's office and was told to bring him in again. This time the doctor thought that Sean had an infection and proceeded to give him an injection of an antibiotic. He reassured me that Sean should start

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