Should I leave this?

[whenslydale]

Went to see GP today about 10 year-old ds 'absences'. Been going on about 6 months. Pretty mild - just 'tunes out' for 10-20 seconds, no loss of consciousness no convulsions. Happening about once a day, sometimes more sometimes less. GP basically said 'it's quite common in this age group, come back if it gets more severe'. Should I accept that - don't feel very reassured but also accept that GP has more experience. If I don't accept where else can I go?

Well, I did try to persuade the GP that I would like a further investigation but he simply said to monitor it - keep a diary of episodes, speak to the school to see if they have noticed anything - and come back if I felt it was getting more serious. He was very 'nice' but also very firm that it was not a cause for concern as it stood and that I shouldn't be over-anxious.

Thanks for your advice starlight - actually I have just rung a local primary healthcare centre which I have never taken much notice of before and they said it's fine to come there for a second opinion so I feel really relieved. I am happy for anyone to tell me that these seizures are nothing to worry about when they've done the appropriate tests but not just from asking ds 'do they bother you?'.

This gp sounds useless to be honest. I think this should be investigated to rule ep.

Would not accept such a reason from the GP and would seek a referral to a specialist via another GP in the practice. Hopefully the primary healthcare centre you phoned will be more helpful but still ask for a referral all the same. You cannot take chances with something like this particularly as it is ongoing.

If GP continues to be unhelpful would change GP practice.

ds had these was fobbed of with it.They then increased and ds started having full blown seizures then they payed attention ds now has dx of epilepsy and those oh daydreams were not simple daydreams

Not saying thats the same in your case but as your obviously unsure dont just ask demand that sencond opinon

Sorry to hear about your ds and yes, that's what I'm woried about. My gut feeling is that it's probably going to be OK but I can't just accept it being brushed off. I admit I am useless at standing up for myself where GP's are concerned - I've no idea why, usually I'm pretty confident.

Can't believe your GP dismissed this out of hand. I'm glad you are getting a second opinion. Please push for a referral. As you say it may be ok, but if she does have absence seizures this is still epilepsy.

My DD has complex partial epilepsy. When the seizures started she did just have absences and i was probably more relaxed than i should have been as they are not as frightening to watch as grand mal. I'm not trying to be alarmist and your gut instinct is probably right but you should get this checked and don't be fobbed off.

Good luck.

DS used to do this. Luckily it was noted by the CPNs and he was referred for EEG and MRI as they suspected epilepsy. Both tests were clear.

I then discovered that this tuning out is common in ASD children. It's part of the sensory overload if too much noise / movement / stress etc - they effectively shut down for a while. He could be walking along the road talking and if someone passed by and a car also came along the road that would be enough for him to suddenly stand stock still for a few minutes. A bit like restting electrical items I think.

Would ask for EEG and MRI just to discount anything sinister.

Thanks for your support everyone - I'm glad to hear that I'm not being over the top. Of course the trouble now is that ds, having heard the GP say nothing to worry about, thinks I am making too much of it but I'll just have to push on. Blimey, GP's are such a mixed bunch aren't they? Some can't do enough for you, some can't shove you out the door quick enough. I make sure I push for an EEG at the very least and I hope this health centre are more professional.