Question Prompt List

The Question Prompt List (QPL) is designed to help parents of neonates with seizures feel more prepared when communicating with their child’s care team. It is a collection of common questions that other parents have found helpful during the neonatal period.

This tool is meant to enhance parent engagement and foster effective communication between parents and healthcare providers. You can explore the list of questions below or download the QPL tool to use when preparing for your next discussion with the care team. 

Field NK, Glass HC, Franck LS, Shellhaas RA, Means J, Lemmon ME; Neonatal Seizure Registry. A Novel Question Prompt List for Parents of Neonates With Seizures. Pediatr Neurol. 2024 Sep 7;161:64-66. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.08.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39288660.

What Questions Are In The QPL? 

Understanding my baby's seizure diagnosis

☐ What are seizures? 

☐ What caused my baby’s seizures? 

☐ Can seizures hurt my baby or cause pain? 

☐ How do seizures affect my baby’s brain?

My baby's antiseizure medications

☐ What antiseizure medication(s) is/are my baby taking? 

☐ What are the side effects of my baby’s antiseizure medications? 

☐ Why does my baby need antiseizure medications?

☐ What should I do if my baby misses a medication dose?

☐ How long will my baby need to be on antiseizure medications?

What to expect for my baby’s future

☐ What should I expect for my baby’s future development?

☐ How can I help support my baby’s development?

☐ Will my baby need developmental therapies?

☐ What types of doctors will my baby have?

☐ Could my baby have more seizures in the future?

What to do in case of seizures after my baby goes home

☐ How will I know if my baby is having a seizure? 

☐ What should I do if I think my baby is having a seizure? 

☐ In what situations should I call 911?

Finding information and support

☐ Where can I find more information about my baby’s condition?

☐ Are there any support groups that I can join?

☐ What mental health resources are available for parents?

☐ Who can I call if I have questions or concerns?

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