Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group

I've never cared for it called that before.

I can see how this is offensive to you... unfortunately it's because of lack of education on other peoples part... and that is the big picture... it's easy to become offended especially since this involves your son... motherly protection and all... I'm sorry you had to go through that... I would recomend educating him on the condition your son has... possibly talking to your school... if for anything your son's saftey... maybe when you talk to him... call it an "episode" and then you can very slyly correct him into calling it that instead of calling it that awful word... hope this helps a bit... I don't like calling it that either...

I use that word occassionally myself and it's just a discriptive word...please don't take offense...it's just a word...that's just what it feels like and seizures are so hard to explain alot of times it's the first word that comes to mind...

Mabou- "Fit" is a cultural term- folks in other countries such as England or Australia use that word. Offense is NOT intended, it's just a cultural difference. Do you get upset if you say "gasoline" and a British person says "petrol"?

I seems to me it is more people in other countires besides America who use the word "fit" When I first saw it I pondered over it too... We use the word "FIT" to describe a child behaving badly. So, it is just a difference in cultures.
I can admit too, the first time I was personally called an "epilepetic", It took me back. I would much rather be called by my name! Someone WHO has Epilepsy.

Good point to bring up. I was diagnosed when I was living in England and all the doctors, ER, my GP, neurosurgeon... would all use the term "fits" instead of seizures. There is a movement by epilepsy associations in the UK to get people to use the word Seizure, but the word "fit" is still seen as correct.

When my doctors would ask when my last "fit" was, I would answer, "my last SEIZURE was..." :-)

Please don't take offence, my advice is to simply and kindly ask him to describe them by the word you are most comfortable with.

Hugs to you and your son

(PS - in the 60's, it was still considered PC to call someone with cerebral palsy "spastic" - imagine that... it take a while for vernacular to evolve.)

Thanks for your replies. I work with adults with intellectual disabilites and have heard offensive terms used to describe them. As far as the reply from kc61, I don't think there was any need for such sarcasm. I just posted a question and there is no need in this group for that.

I've noticed that, too. European and Canadians are more apt to use the word "fit" verses "seizure". In America we are most likely to use the word "fit" as a temper tantrum...and yes, I can't stand the word either. My doctor may say "seizure" or"episode", but never "fit". Possibly it's from the old world mental hospitals?

I have to put my two cents worth in here....
KatieB, It is NOT the more common word for Canadian's to use. Mabou is Canadian, as am I, and we both live in Eastern Canada...in Nova Scotia.

The word fit has always offended me and I have always corrected people as I have come across those who continue to call seizures fits. On the internet it is different. I think we all know that different cultures have their own terms for different things but I don't believe that was the point of Mabou's post. She would already know that too.

Except for the cultural differeces in terminology, I have found that those who do not use the correct word for seizures usually have a lack of eduation on Epilepsy in general. There will still be some even after learning the differeces that will continue to use that offensive word. One of those people was my very own father. He likened the seizures that I had to fits that animals have. So early on in my Epilepsy I became very sensitive to this word too.

I don't blame Mabou one bit for feeling this way. Add to that, the fact that her son's bus driver is the 'offender', it makes this a hot topic that has to be addressed.

Mabou, I too wince when I hear it being used. In most of N.S., the schools no longer have their own buses so I'm guessing that's the way it is where you live Mabou. The independant bus company would have to be the place to call about this. The principal of the school would have a number for you. He could listen to your complaint, even talk nicely to the driver, but the driver would not be obliged to follow behaviours other than from his own boss. That is only if the school your son goes to uses an independant bus company.

If I were you Mabou, I would call them and explain the situation and ask they use as much sensitivity as they could with this so your son doesn't feel yet again, different.

Mabou, I had a similar situation when my youngest son attended elementary school. My son was hearing impaired. All his teachers knew, and he was excellent in lip reading which was needed even with his hearing aid. He had one teacher who continued to say to him, in front of all, "No, I will not repeat the instructions...what are you deaf?"....this went on and on. This also happened to be the vice-principal. I dealt with it quickly and firmly and I think Mabou, that you should too. Children should not be made to feel isolated and different by the very adults that are supposed to protect them....great topic Mabou and thanks for bring it up.

Ruth

Ty RuthMH.

Also Canadian and ,originally, from NS too; I can also attest that, contrary to KatieB's comment, the term fit is not commonly used in Canada.
As kc61 said it is more commonly used in Britain and the UK.